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Vertical Slats of Timber Envelop a Compact Living Space with Intelligent Use of Natural Light

Author:
Gero August Suhner
Vertical Slats of Timber Envelop a Compact Living Space with Intelligent Use of Natural Light

Project in-detail

Characterized by its vertical timber slats and extensive use of natural light, this compact living space integrates sustainable materials and innovative design to facilitate modern urban dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical timber slats enhance privacy while allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior.
02
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while minimizing material use.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide superior insulation and sustainability compared to traditional materials.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer enhanced weather resistance and an aesthetically unique surface finish.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems contribute to the project’s overall resource efficiency.

## Project Overview
The MiCA (Micro Cabin Annex) is positioned as a prototype for sustainable living solutions, addressing contemporary urban challenges through a low-impact architectural approach. The design integrates environmental considerations with modern construction practices, aiming to reduce ecological footprints while promoting compact living spaces that prioritize functionality and adaptability.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design of the MiCA emphasizes modularity, allowing for adaptability across various contexts and uses. This flexibility caters to diverse user needs and supports rapid construction, making it suitable for urban infill or temporary installations. The interior layout is designed to accommodate multiple configurations, such as work, dining, and sleeping arrangements, thereby maximizing utility while minimizing clutter.

### Material Selection
The MiCA utilizes a carefully curated selection of materials to enhance its performance and sustainability. Key materials include:

- **Wood**: Utilized for structural components and finishes, providing warmth and aesthetic appeal while creating privacy and shade through vertical slats.
- **Glass**: Large panels enhance natural light penetration and visual connectivity with the surrounding environment.
- **Steel**: Incorporated into structural elements, providing durability and strength essential for the micro cabin's modular nature.
- **Concrete**: Used for flooring and foundational elements, offering thermal regulation and stability.
- **Thermoplastic**: Lightweight insulating panels improve energy efficiency.
- **Green Roof System**: Comprising planted vegetation, this system enhances biodiversity, reduces stormwater runoff, and contributes to the overall thermal performance of the structure.

The design balances aesthetics and functionality while committing to sustainable materials and practices, creating an environment conducive to a modern lifestyle.

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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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