Perch

Micro-home: competition by Buildner, Kingspan. Independent entry, 2024-25 edition

Modern cities are engines of economic growth, yet their rapid expansion strains essential resources like land, water, and energy. This paradox creates a pressing need for innovative, smaller-footprint housing solutions.

The project, ‘Perch,’ responds directly to this challenge. It offers the dream of sustainable urban living to a young, expatriate digital nomad couple drawn to the vitality of Madrid’s Tetuan district. Perched atop a mixed-use building, this rooftop home provides a long-term rental opportunity that is owned and managed by locals, strengthening community ties. The design comfortably accommodates a live/work lifestyle, while its fully off-grid systems harvest rainwater, generate solar power, and leverage passive design to maintain thermal comfort.