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Vertical Living and Working Spaces with Communal Elements in a Compact Setting

Author:
Noran Alansary
Vertical Living and Working Spaces with Communal Elements in a Compact Setting

Project in-detail

Combining vertical living arrangements with shared workspaces and a common terrace, this design maximizes functionality and interaction in a compact urban environment tailored for an architect and a sculptor.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual-use design accommodates both living and working spaces for an architect and a sculptor.
02
Compact footprint maximizes functionality within 36 m² per user.
03
Common terrace fosters interaction while maintaining privacy in vertical arrangements.
04
Private garden enhances livability and provides a green buffer from urban surroundings.
05
Thoughtful integration of shared and individual spaces supports a collaborative lifestyle.

The Compacted Ell accommodates two users: an architect and a sculptor. Located in a compact urban setting, the building provides 36 m² for each user and a shared terrace of 9 m². The design emphasizes efficient use of space, blending private living areas with workspaces. This balance fosters both independent activities and moments of collaboration.

Spatial Organization

The ground floor serves as User 1’s living area. It includes a bedroom, a toilet, a kitchen, and a living room. This setup prioritizes comfort and convenience, making daily routines straightforward. The design provides a welcoming home where essential functions are easily accessible.



Workspaces

The first floor is designated as a shared working space for both users. This arrangement supports productivity and creativity, allowing each user to engage with their work while remaining connected to the other. User 2 accesses their workspace from this level, promoting teamwork and a sense of community.



Vertical Arrangement

User 2’s living area occupies the second floor. This vertical arrangement provides a clear distinction between personal and professional spaces. By situating living quarters above the workspace, the design enhances privacy for both users. The common terrace in between encourages social interaction and relaxation, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the building.



Environmental Context

The building is surrounded by a private garden, adding greenery to the environment. This outdoor space enhances the overall livability of the home, offering a peaceful area for respite. It also creates a buffer from the busy urban surroundings, allowing for a more tranquil experience at home.

Overall, the design reflects a thoughtful approach to the needs of its occupants. It balances shared and individual spaces within a compact footprint, creating a practical and comfortable living environment. Each element is designed with attention to functionality and ease of use, ensuring a harmonious lifestyle for both users.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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