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Wood Fiber Insulation and OSB Structure in a Compact Living Space

Authors:
Vid Šobat, Barbara Srček, Dino Špadina
Wood Fiber Insulation and OSB Structure in a Compact Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with OSB and wood fiber insulation, this compact living space offers a multifunctional environment that seamlessly adapts to the diverse needs of its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular design for easy reconfiguration.
02
Features eight distinct modes of use tailored for various activities.
03
Incorporates a retractable staircase to optimize vertical space.
04
Utilizes renewable energy sources, including solar panels and a wind turbine.
05
Includes sliding glass doors for enhanced natural light and outdoor integration.

The design focused on tiny house living presents a practical solution for maximizing utility in limited space. It accommodates two residents, offering a flexible environment that caters to various lifestyle needs. The overall concept revolves around adaptability, allowing the space to serve multiple functions while maintaining a cohesive flow.

Design Concept

The approach is based on a "Grid off-grid" strategy, enabling the living area to adjust according to the users' requirements. This design allows different activities to take place simultaneously, effectively addressing the challenges common in tiny house living. The layout is carefully arranged to support overlapping functions, making it suitable for both personal and shared experiences.

Modes of Use

Eight distinct modes of use exemplify the layout's ability to adapt. Each configuration meets specific needs, whether it’s for sleeping, working, socializing, or exercising. Movable furniture boxes allow for easy rearrangement, presenting occupants with the option to customize the space according to their daily activities. This versatility is illustrated through modes like Night/Sleep Mode, Team Work Mode, and Party Mode, encouraging a smooth transition between tasks while ensuring comfort.

Materiality and Sustainability

A selection of materials reinforces the design's structural and aesthetic qualities. Key components include wood board, OSB (Oriented Strand Board), and a timber frame, which together create a solid framework. Wood fiber wool provides insulation, while a polyurethane liquid membrane ensures the space is waterproof. The inclusion of sliding glass doors with oak frames enhances natural lighting and merges indoor and outdoor environments.

Renewable energy plays a significant role in this design, with six 100W solar panels and a 1000W wind turbine for self-sufficient power generation. The introduction of a retractable staircase optimizes vertical space, crucial for the compact living style.

The modular design also encompasses movable boxes that serve essential furniture needs, like desks and chairs, allowing for varied activities. This high level of adaptability addresses the complexities of city living, where efficient use of space is essential. The project explores how architecture can respond to modern living demands while providing a comfortable and functional home.

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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
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