Kingspan MICROHOME 2026

REDEFINING LIVING THROUGH LESS

In an era defined by expansion, acceleration, and excess, the question of how much space we truly need has never been more relevant. Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 invites architects and designers around the world to pause, reflect, and reimagine the fundamentals of living through the lens of architectural restraint.

Now in its eleventh edition, the MICROHOME competition continues Buildner’s long-standing exploration of compact architecture as a powerful design philosophy. Developed in collaboration with Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance building solutions, this edition proposes a radical yet thoughtful challenge: to design a home of just 25 square meters that embodies efficiency, comfort, and architectural clarity.

Rather than viewing smallness as limitation, the competition frames it as an opportunity. Within a reduced footprint, architects are asked to rethink spatial hierarchy, material economy, and the emotional quality of domestic life. The microhome becomes a manifesto for intentional living, where every square meter carries purpose and every detail contributes to a coherent spatial experience.

ARCHITECTURE OF INTENTION

The MICROHOME is not defined by size alone, but by mindset. Participants are encouraged to explore how design can achieve generosity without excess, intimacy without confinement, and sustainability without compromise. Through careful consideration of light, proportion, materiality, and adaptability, each proposal should demonstrate how small-scale architecture can support rich and meaningful ways of living.

There are no geographical constraints for the project site. Designs may be located in urban, rural, or speculative contexts, as long as they respond thoughtfully to their environment and address contemporary challenges such as sustainability, adaptability, and evolving lifestyles. The goal is not to prescribe a single solution, but to explore how architecture can respond intelligently to a changing world.

A PLATFORM FOR GLOBAL DESIGN THINKING

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 is open to architects, designers, and creative thinkers worldwide, whether working independently or in teams of up to four members. Professional accreditation is not required, and all submissions must be presented in English.

Through this open format, the competition seeks to foster a global conversation around responsible living, architectural innovation, and the future of housing. It invites participants to question conventions and propose new models for how people might live, work, and rest within minimal yet meaningful spaces.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The competition offers a total prize fund of 100,000 euros, recognizing outstanding ideas that push the boundaries of compact living. This includes 55,000 euros in Buildner prizes, alongside a 30,000 euro Kingspan Award and an additional 15,000 euros in Kingspan commendation awards. Together, these prizes celebrate excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability.

COMPETITION TIMELINE

Early registration opens on November 10 and continues through February 11. Advance registration runs from February 12 to May 27, followed by the final registration phase from May 28 to September 30. The submission deadline is November 2, 2026, at 23:59 London time, with winners announced on December 15, 2026.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE THROUGH SIMPLICITY

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 invites designers to imagine a future where quality replaces quantity, and where thoughtful architecture fosters more sustainable and meaningful ways of living. By embracing limitation as a catalyst for creativity, the competition seeks visionary ideas that demonstrate how small spaces can generate big impact.

The total cash prize for the competition amounts to 115,875 USD.

For full details and access to the official call for entries, visit here.