MICROHOME

Horror Vacui – a postulate attributed to Aristotle, who articulated for the field of physics a belief that "nature abhors an empty space". This is a beautifully - rendered project for a transformative housing unit that functions like a machine, with retractable ceiling and floor modules controlled via app. The jury writes, - “It is a good solution to exploit the maximum space available in any layout mode. It Interestingly integrates the digital into the physical space, to make it flexible and adaptable to the user.” The project yields a creative use of small spaces by a simple construction system that provides multiple atmospheres and usage scenarios.

BRI – Bricoleur River House – Initiative - is an upcycling proposal for the polluted and crowded slums of cities like Jakarta, Indonesia. The submission offers a prototype micro-housing unit that combines the reuse of building materials from slums with 3D-printed plastic waste recycled from rivers. The jury comments, “The proposal combines material and spatial innovation to contribute to a more social, ecologic, and economically sustainable urban future in developing countries.” The entry suggests a variety of module types, accompanied by axonometric sections shaped to integrate cross-ventilation and integrated plumbing, as well as vernacular elements, such as the Javanese pendhapa – a pavilion-like structure, built on columns, for outdoor spaces shaded from the sun.

The jury writes of Anonymous Watchman, - “Tiny, compact and beautiful – just as a microhome should be – with integrated energy and water solutions, good daylight without being transparent, and the use of simple and natural materials.” The project proposes a rectangular block form with articulated pocket windows, a circular rooftop water collection tank, and a single curved corner – these articulate the form just enough to give it refined, idiosyncratic proportions without appearing over-designed. It is an excellent and tasteful proposal that reads like a product in the vein of those by MUJI, IKEA, Toyota, and a host of other recent companies offering well-designed prefab housing units for off-grid living.