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Wooden Beams and Metal Flanges Shape Flexible Living Spaces in Sustainable Design

Authors:
Alejandro Ricote, Diego Sierra, Miriam Engelmayer, Alejandro Cárdenas
Wooden Beams and Metal Flanges Shape Flexible Living Spaces in Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

The integration of wooden beams and metal flanges creates flexible living spaces that prioritize sustainability and adaptability, supporting a modern lifestyle through multifunctional design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lightweight wooden beams enable flexible design configurations.
02
Metal flanges connect panels, enhancing structural integrity.
03
The central patio facilitates rainwater collection and natural ventilation.
04
Modules can be easily transported for relocation or adaptation.
05
Sustainable features include solar energy integration for eco-friendly living.

HABITAR explores the concept of living spaces through a thoughtful design that emphasizes the importance of true habitation. The project reflects a vision that extends beyond mere physical structures, advocating for environments that support both interaction and solitude. Inspired by ideas from philosopher Martín Heidegger, it positions the home as a dynamic entity, adaptable to the rhythms of everyday life. The design employs modularity and flexibility, catering to various needs of its users in any setting.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The design focuses on creating multipurpose areas that adapt to different activities. It encourages social gatherings while also providing private spaces. Strategic thresholds define different zones, allowing inhabitants to connect or retreat as necessary. A central patio emerges as a central feature, providing natural light and airflow throughout the interior. This open area fosters a sense of community and supports diverse daily activities, highlighting the fluidity of living.

Materiality and Structural Elements

Lightweight wooden beams form the primary structure, offering strength while maintaining flexibility in design. These beams are paired with metal flanges, which articulate the panels and enhance their connection within the overall layout. This combination of materials enhances the functionality of each space, allowing for adjustments based on the occupants' needs. The simplicity and effectiveness of these choices reinforce the overall intent of the design.

Sustainability and Resource Management

Sustainability is a core principle in the design, with features that promote environmental responsibility. The central patio not only serves as a gathering space but also plays a vital role in resource management by capturing rainwater. Solar energy solutions are integrated into the structure, underscoring the commitment to eco-friendly living. This approach not only increases the building’s efficiency but also aligns with current expectations for sustainable architecture.

Transportability and Modularity

The design’s transportable nature offers practical benefits, allowing for easy relocation or adaptation. The main living units can be transported in two trips, reflecting an efficient use of modular design. This operational flexibility makes it suitable for various geographical contexts, emphasizing the adaptability of the concept in different environments.

Sunlight filters through the modular panels, creating playful patterns on the floors, a constant reminder of the relationship between inhabitants and their surroundings.

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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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