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Waffle Slab Core and Glazed Facade Define Sustainable Micro Living

Authors:
Federrico Mannino, Sonia Gaudencio
Waffle Slab Core and Glazed Facade Define Sustainable Micro Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a container slab and a glazed façade, the design maximizes light and space efficiency while creating a sustainable micro home that integrates essential living functions with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a container slab for adaptable storage solutions.
02
Central square core houses all essential utilities.
03
Integrates an openable glazed wall for natural light and views.
04
Compact design spans just 25 square meters.
05
Optimized thermal performance through strategic layout.

The Microhome project offers a unique perspective on minimalist living within a compact space. Located in a natural environment, the design combines practicality with sustainability. The aim is to create a space that meets modern living requirements while also being mindful of resource consumption and land use. The guiding principle of "less is more" is evident throughout the design, making it suitable for contemporary lifestyles.

Core Structure
A square core serves as the foundation of the design, supported by main beams and a waffle slab. This core contains essential components such as a bathroom, water storage, and a battery system for solar energy. By centralizing these functions, the design reduces the building's overall footprint. This strategy allows the adjacent living area to be more functional and open.

Spatial Configuration
The Microhome covers a living area of 25 square meters and features a fully glazed exterior. This design choice brings in ample natural light, making the space feel larger and more inviting. Surrounding the living area is a terrace, which extends the dwelling's usable space. An openable glass wall enhances the connection between inside and outside, allowing occupants to engage with nature from their living room.

Container Slab
One notable feature of the Microhome is the use of a container slab. This design element provides an adaptable space that can adjust to various needs. It offers storage solutions without cluttering the main living area. This approach enables a more comfortable living environment while allowing for personal privacy.

Adaptability
The structure is built to adapt to different natural surroundings. Employing a regular construction system ensures stability and resilience, making it suitable for various locations. This adaptability emphasizes the design’s relevance to sustainable practices, showing a commitment to harmonizing with the environment.

Natural light floods the interior, complemented by cross-ventilation pathways created by strategically placed openings in the façade. This thoughtful detail enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the comfort of those living in the Microhome.

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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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