Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- Volume Zero
- Deadline
- 12/3/2026
In short
Micro Living 2026 is an international architecture competition challenging designers to create 250 sq. ft. living modules for two residents, offering $10,000 in prizes and open to all.
Call For Ideas: Micro Living 2026 Architecture Competition
By Volume Zero
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 12/3/2026126 days left
$10,000
Total prizes
250 sq. ft.
Module size
Open to all
Eligibility
Worldwide urban site
Site selection
10 years
Competition legacy
Overview
Volume Zero introduces its 29th international architecture competition, Micro Living 2026, celebrating a decade of fostering global design discourse. This edition continues its commitment to innovative and resilient architecture, challenging traditional notions of 'the home' in an increasingly fluid world. The competition invites architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine how a 250 square foot space can evolve from a limitation into a model for urban intelligence. Participants are tasked with designing a compact living module that seamlessly integrates essential functions like sleeping, cooking, bathing, working, eating, and storage for two residents, transforming throughout the day. Beyond the individual module, participants must envision 25 of these units forming a responsive and adaptable community for 50 residents within a chosen urban context. The objective is to demonstrate how small footprints can expand the logic of possibility, addressing density, affordability, and environmental pressures in cities worldwide. The competition encourages proposals that respond to real urban conditions rather than abstract theories.
What to build
Design a 250 sq. ft. living module for two residents that seamlessly integrates sleeping, cooking, bathing, working, eating, and storage, transforming throughout the day. Additionally, imagine 25 of these units forming a responsive, adaptable community for 50 residents in an urban context of your choice.
Prizes
1st Prize
USD 5000
2nd Prize
USD 2500
3rd Prize
USD 1500
Gold Mention
USD 1000
Key dates
- Headstart Registrations begin5th March 2026
- Headstart Registrations end12th June 2026
- Early Bird Registration begins13th June 2026
- Early Bird Registration ends4th September 2026
- Standard Registration begins5th September 2026
- Standard Registration ends6th November 2026
- Closing date for Submissions3rd December 2026
- Announcement of winners5th February 2027
Eligibility
The Micro Living Architecture Competition is open to all, including architects, students, engineers, product designers, thinkers, companies, and organizations. No professional qualifications are necessary. Participants may be from any country.