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Wool Insulated Home with Movable Steel Components and Upcycled Wood Cases

Authors:
Alicia Borchardt, Quentin Blaising
Wool Insulated Home with Movable Steel Components and Upcycled Wood Cases

Project in-detail

Integrating wool insulation with customizable movable steel boxes, this compact home prioritizes sustainability and personal expression while offering flexible living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wool insulation enhances thermal efficiency.
02
Movable steel boxes allow for space customization.
03
Upcycled wood cases minimize environmental impact.
04
Vertical greenhouse supports sustainable living.
05
Design incorporates off-grid rainwater collection systems.

The design integrates the classic tiny house concept with an emphasis on sustainability and flexibility. Set in a context that encourages innovative living, it prioritizes customizable spaces tailored to residents' needs. The aim is to create environments that adapt and evolve, offering both functionality and a connection to the outside.

Structural Foundation
A strong structural wall forms the backbone of the design, equipped with wool insulation for thermal regulation. This wall supports a range of movable components, including steel boxes and wooden cases, allowing residents to define their space. The emphasis on adaptability provides an opportunity for occupants to personalize their living environment, responding to different life situations and activities.

Spatial Arrangement
The layout includes key areas such as a bedroom designed to provide a natural atmosphere and a living room measuring 25 square meters. The design fosters a fluid relationship between inside and outside spaces, facilitated by sliding boxes that can be moved as needed. This element invites natural light and air, enhancing the overall living experience while reinforcing the bond with the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a core component of the design, evident through its off-grid systems. Features include an accessible septic tank and ample outdoor storage, which promote efficient space use. A vertical greenhouse serves as both a functional and aesthetic element, while the use of upcycled wood for outdoor cases highlights the commitment to environmental responsibility. The design encourages minimal waste through practical storage solutions, such as compost access and a dedicated kitchen area.

Innovative Elements
Technical innovations such as rainwater collection systems and solar panels demonstrate a focus on reducing dependence on external resources. Each aspect of the design prioritizes practicality and a thoughtful consideration of modern living. The moveable sliding boxes not only serve a functional purpose but also add a dynamic visual appeal to the facade. This feature reinforces the structure's ability to adapt while contributing to its overall character.

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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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