Check out the Tiny House 2024 Architecture Competition results

International design competition platform Volume Zero has announced the results of the Tiny House 2024 Architecture Competition. The challenge's fifth edition drew participants from over 46 countries, each vying for $4,5000 worth of prize money for designs that effectively utilize space to enable a simpler and more efficient way of living tailored to the current and future needs of its inhabitants.

Once again, participants were tasked with designing a comfortable off-the-grid living accommodation for two people under 300 square feet in total. The winning designs thereby afforded clients the chance to be off the grid as much as possible. Volume Zero says they "re-imagine sustainability through the concept of maximum usable space in a minimum footprint."

The 2024 Tiny House jury consisted of Carlos Patrón (Taco taller de), Dinesh Suthar (Design Work Group), Fran Silvestre (Fran Silvestre Arquitectos), Nguyen Dang Anh Dung (AD + studio), Rayne Fouché (Fouché Architects), Realrich Sjarief (RAW), Rohit Mankar (Architecture Brio), Ülar Mark (Kodasema), Di Zhan (F.O.G. Architecture), Anagha Patil & Sanjay Patil (Environ Planners), Fati Fakhr (ZAV Architects), and Jon Gentry (GO'C).     

FIRST PLACE - Shifting Space by Harris Qaiser and Annie Cheng (New Zealand)

Description: "In Tokyo’s dense urban landscape, 'Shifting Spaces' addresses the pressing issues of rising housing costs and limited land with a dynamic, multifunctional solution. This modular tiny home integrates residential and café functions, fostering a flexible environment for living, working, and community engagement. Sliding partitions and adaptable layouts enable effortless transitions between living and work modes, maximizing a minimal footprint. A central, courtyard-inspired island anchors the space, enhancing connectivity and fluidity. Passive design strategies, off-the-grid systems, and a green roof ensure both sustainability and long-term economic viability. Mobility further enhances adaptability, allowing users to reoccupy the space for entrepreneurial ventures or evolving lifestyles."

SECOND PLACE - Water Hunter by Arash Madani, Elaheh Ashoori & Fatemeh Zarini (Iran)

Description: "A modular, portable structure utilizing atmospheric water harvesting to provide essential supply while preserving NOMADIC life in an ancient ecosystem. Amid environmental crises, inspiration from ANAHITA, the IRANIAN GODDESS of water and Hamun’s guardian, has guided our project’s design. MAY 'WATER HUNTER' PROMISE RENEWED LIFE IN ARID LANDS. AI, IOT, BCI centrally manage the house as a network. This intelligent system uses IoT data to adjust moisture-absorbing fabrics, opening or closing them based on weather. It also optimizes tasks such as energy production, house assembly, and interior adjustments. Additionally, BCI lets users control and personalize the house using their thoughts. This integration provides a smart, sustainable, and futuristic living solution."

THIRD PLACE - Revolve by Stephen Centorrino & Owen Axisa (Malta)

Description: "Physiological & psychological human needs are deeply interconnected, evolving with age & adapting to the uncertainties of future climates. REVOLVE embraces these dynamics through its unique rotational capability, aligning with the natural circadian clock to create a personalised interaction between occupants & their environment. By dynamically adjusting sunlight exposure & thermal comfort, REVOLVE enhances will-being & fosters a healthier lifestyle. Employing passive strategies, REVOLVE minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort. It’s modular flexibility allows future owners to adapt the structure both vertically – by stacking modules - & horizontally, catering to their unique physiological, psychological, & contextual requirements."

STUDENT AWARD – CULTURE IS STRUCTURE by Arthur Legrain (France)

Description: "This is a house for mussel farmers where the elements of mussel culture are structural components of the house. Between the shores of the Baie de la Fresnaye, in northern France, vast mussel farms form a mesh of poles that stretch as far as the eye can see across the seascape. This area is subject to major tides, which completely change the landscape according to sea level. These thousands of posts, known as 'bouchots', are where French mussels are born and grow between March and June. Subtly positioned above the high tide level, the house slips between this existing grid. Our farmer can access it directly with his boat at high tide, or by a hidden staircase at low tide. The floor plan features three living areas separated by two thick walls of storage. Each living area opens onto a span of bouchots."