C O M PA C T HOUSE 3rd prize BEEBREEDERS COMPETITION
MICROHOME2019 Small living, Huge Impact!
RAINA KANARI
COMPACT HOUSE Location Not specified Year 2019 Status Beebreeders Competition - 3rd prize Size 25 m2
Compact house is a small home that shows that comfort doesn’t come from big spaces. 25 square meters is enough space to provide a nice and comfortable living. With simplicity and sustainability in mind, it is designed to be easy to build, affordable and eco-friendly. The main idea was to design something simple that would offer the comfort of a bigger home without having to pull and push - fold and unfold furniture any time a space needs to be used. The initial idea for the design of the compact house was for the four basic spaces needed: the bedroom, office, toilet and kitchen to serve their primary function without the need of any modification or moving of furniture. These spaces are then connected through the central living space which is multifunctional. The space can be transformed into different configurations using movable furniture and offer settings for various life scenarios. The simple form of the building makes it easy to build. Compact house is built with timber structural framing and sits on concrete piles. The foundation has minimal impact on the ground it is built upon and provides adaptability to different terrains. Designed as an off-grid sustainable house it is equipped with photovoltaic panels, has a rainwater collection system and uses greywater treatment. A composting toilet provides an easy solution for off-grid locations without access to a sewage system. Heating is provided by a wood-burning stove.
Perspective Plan
Perspective Section
Adaptability of space While the bedroom, office, kitchen and toilet mainly serve only one purpose, the central living space in the middle of the house offers a flexibility that allows many different functionalities to accommodate the needs of a modern young couple.
Exploded axonometric
Structural detail
JURY COMMENTARY This 25sqm house has everything one needs for comfort: simple and easily-constructible, it offers many uses afforded by mobile, re-configurable furniture. Four basic programs - bedroom, office, toilet, and kitchen - are connected via a central multi-functional space. The Compact House is equipped with photovoltaic panels, a rainwater collection system, and a composting toilet. Modular shelving provides storage opportunities. These open shelving systems might require highly-organized users, but they also help to subdivide this tiny space in a way that allows it to feel open and spacious.