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Vertical Living With Piston-Operated Sunshades and Rainwater Reservoirs

Authors:
Răzvan Lazăr, Andreea Popîrda, Alexandru Țîrcă
Vertical Living With Piston-Operated Sunshades and Rainwater Reservoirs

Project in-detail

Equipped with piston-operated sunshades and a hidden rainwater collection system, the microhome maximizes vertical space and adaptability while providing essential living functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected through hidden gutters integrated into the design.
02
Piston-operated sunshades provide adjustable light control and outdoor coverage.
03
The microhome maximizes vertical space with additional reading and office areas.
04
Constructed with a wooden A-frame structure that enhances stability and aesthetics.
05
Modular design allows for easy expansion to accommodate changing needs.

The design presents a compact microhome that effectively addresses the need for efficient living spaces in contemporary settings. Built on a minimal area module of 16.2 square meters, it integrates essential living areas such as a kitchenette, bathroom, shower, desk, living room, reading or relaxation area, and bedroom. The overall concept emphasizes practicality and sustainability, making the most of limited space while delivering comfort.

Modularity as a Core Feature

The design promotes modularity as a key aspect, enabling future extensions through the addition of extra units. This flexibility caters to changing occupant needs and allows for personalization of the living environment. The ease of expansion eliminates the need for major structural modifications, showcasing an adaptable approach to modern living.

Sustainable Water Management

A significant feature is the rainwater collection system, which uses hidden gutters to channel water down through internal pipes. This setup reduces reliance on external water sources, enhancing the home's sustainability profile without compromising aesthetics. The efficient drainage solution supports functional design while meeting practical needs.

Structural Composition and Aesthetic

The microhome utilizes a wooden A-frame structure that offers strength and a lightweight feel. This choice aligns with the design's minimalist intention, allowing for open and versatile living spaces. The structure not only ensures stability but also blends well with various environments, whether in city settings or rural areas.

Light Management and Outdoor Interaction

The design incorporates wooden sunshades mounted on a metallic frame, aimed at managing natural light entry. These sunshades feature a piston mechanism that allows for full extension into a canopy. This functionality enhances the interior atmosphere and encourages outdoor engagement, thus broadening the use of space beyond the home's walls.

The full module extends to 24.5 square meters, making smart use of vertical space. This thoughtful design accommodates additional areas, including a small office and an upstairs reading nook, which increases the home’s adaptability while maintaining its compact footprint.

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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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