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Weathered Steel Panels and Radiant Concrete Define Compact Family Living

Author:
Tad Jameyfield
Weathered Steel Panels and Radiant Concrete Define Compact Family Living

Project in-detail

Staggered weathered steel panels and radiant concrete flooring create a responsive living space that caters to the needs of a family while seamlessly integrating with the northern Wisconsin landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Staggered weathered steel panels enhance visual texture while promoting energy efficiency.
02
Three-wing layout optimizes both privacy and communal spaces for families.
03
Radiant concrete flooring provides warmth and comfort in cold climates.
04
Large glazed openings connect interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
05
Self-composting toilet promotes sustainable living practices.

Situated in rural northern Wisconsin, the design exemplifies a practical approach to tiny home living, created for a young couple and their two children. It combines functional design with sustainable technologies through a three-wing layout that facilitates privacy while promoting openness. This arrangement supports both family bonding and individual space, allowing occupants to enjoy life in a compact area.

Form and Layout

The approach is known as the "3 Pronged Approach to Little Living." By moving away from the common open rectilinear designs found in many tiny homes, the layout creates a more expansive experience despite the limited square footage. Each wing serves a specific purpose, allowing for clear areas designated for sleeping, cooking, and relaxation. This careful planning encourages interaction among family members while providing necessary personal space.

Materials and Structure

The structure uses a cold-formed steel framework, providing strength and efficiency. Radiant concrete flooring helps maintain warmth, which is important given the cold climate. Closed-cell insulation enhances energy efficiency throughout the home. Externally, the building features staggered weathered steel panels. These elements add visual interest and help the home blend with the surrounding forest.

Interior Configuration

Inside, large windows maximize natural light and create a connection with the outdoors. The sleeping loft includes two queen-sized beds divided by felt curtains, offering privacy when needed. Built-in oak storage bins take advantage of vertical space, effectively organizing belongings. The kitchen is designed for functionality, featuring modern appliances and practical storage options, keeping living areas tidy.

Outdoor Integration

Outdoor spaces enrich the living experience, promoting a strong connection to nature. Dedicated areas for dining, relaxation, and a bonfire enhance family time together. A spacious upper roof deck expands the available area for activities while providing a setting to enjoy the scenic views.

Sustainable practices are also a key aspect of the design. Features such as a self-composting toilet and large windows to capture sunlight reflect a commitment to eco-friendly living and well-being.

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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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