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Translucent Polycarbonate Envelope in a Compact Timber Micro-House

Author:
Laura Encinas
Translucent Polycarbonate Envelope in a Compact Timber Micro-House

Project in-detail

A dual-layer polycarbonate envelope enhances thermal efficiency, while a timber framework offers a sustainable solution for compact living in a 25 m² micro-house designed for countryside dwellers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lightweight polycarbonate panels enhance natural light and thermal regulation.
02
A 12-centimeter ventilated chamber increases energy efficiency.
03
The design includes a central unit that organizes essential living functions.
04
Timber framework ensures sustainability and low environmental impact.
05
Compact 25 m² footprint promotes efficient rural living.

Light Box is designed for a professional couple who want to enjoy life in the countryside. Located in Spain, it measures just 25 m², making it a compact solution for modern living. The design concept focuses on efficiency and sustainability, aiming to blend comfortably with the natural environment. Its square shape organizes space effectively while providing necessary amenities.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Light Box features a central bathroom unit surrounded by areas for living, cooking, working, and sleeping. This setup allows for easy movement between different spaces while ensuring that each area serves its purpose. By maintaining a clear division, the design promotes a comfortable and functional living experience within a limited footprint.

Materiality

The building uses a timber frame, which balances strength with environmental care. The walls consist of two layers of polycarbonate panels, with the outer layer four centimeters thick and the inner layer two centimeters thick. This choice of materials helps bring natural light indoors and supports temperature control. A ventilated chamber, measuring 12 centimeters thick, is built into the design to manage heat and humidity effectively, enhancing the building's energy performance.

Design Features

Light Box includes elements that focus on energy efficiency. The design helps capture sunlight, allowing for reduced use of heating and cooling systems. Skylights in the flat roof add more natural light to the interior while creating an open feel. Outdoor areas, such as timber decks, encourage a connection with the landscape, enriching the living experience.

Spatial efficiency, sustainable construction, and practical design come together to create a comfortable living space. The clean lines of the polycarbonate panels add to the visual appeal while reinforcing the relationship between the home and its natural surroundings.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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