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Architecture

Microhouses: 7 projects translate the new concept of new luxury

Microhomes show that the future of housing can (and should!) be smaller in scale, but greater in meaning

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jul 17, 2025, 6:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Amanda Xavier and Debora Borkoski - Casa Manacá. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Amanda Xavier and Debora Borkoski - Casa Manacá. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Matheus Procopio)

The microhouses stand out as one of the most consistent responses to contemporary transformations in living. In a world that values practicality, environmental awareness, and emotional experiences, compact constructions cease to be mere necessities and become desires — especially when associated with comfort, aesthetics, and technology.
Fernanda Lourenço Gonçalves - Loft Aruanã. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Fernanda Lourenço Gonçalves - Loft Aruanã. O projeto tem como ponto central uma planta em formato de “L”, que remete aos tradicionais pátios internos da arquitetura portuguesa. Essa configuração valoriza a integração entre interior e exterior, colocando a jabuticabeira da casa em destaque e proporcionando fluidez espacial e resgate do convívio com o ar livre - um gesto de acolhimento e contemplação. (Guilherme Rocha/CASACOR)

With few square meters, but many well-applied resources, these tiny houses reveal that it is possible to live with less space, without giving up sophistication. More than an architectural trend, microhouses propose a new way of living: efficient, sensitive, and aligned with the present time.

New concept of luxury


In recent years, luxury has been redefined. It has ceased to be synonymous with ostentation and is now connected to values such as well-being, quality time, sustainability, and authenticity. From this perspective, microhouses stand out for condensing all these attributes into streamlined, elegant, and functional architectural solutions.
Gabriela Casagrande - Tiny House. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Gabriela Casagrande - Tiny House. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Fabio Severo/CASACOR)

Living well no longer depends on the square footage, but on the intention with which spaces are designed and experienced. The new luxury lies in smart carpentry, the careful selection of materials, in the design that integrates architecture and landscape, and in the autonomy that these homes provide. Sophistication appears in details, including natural light, fluid organization, and the sensations that each space awakens.

Characteristics of microhouses


Microhouses combine streamlined design, refined aesthetics, and functionality. Here are the main elements that define this type of contemporary housing.
Zoe Beteta - Intersections. CASACOR Peru 2025 Project.

Zoe Beteta - Intersecciones. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Sebastian Aparicio/CASACOR)

Compact space, but well distributed


With reduced areas (generally between 14 m² and 40 m²), the challenge is to utilize every inch intelligently. Open floor plans, integrated spaces, and modular solutions allow for creating a sense of spaciousness without waste.

Multifunctional carpentry


Shelves that turn into partitions, retractable beds, foldable counters, and built-in cabinets are common in these designs. The customized carpentry plays a key role, ensuring practicality without compromising aesthetics.
Thaís Corrêa - Casa Prates. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Thaís Corrêa - Casa Prates. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Eduardo Macarios/CASACOR)

Connection with the exterior


Microhouses often explore wide openings, balconies, decks, or integrated gardens to enhance the sensory space. The architecture values the landscape and invites nature inside, reinforcing the connection with the surroundings.

Minimalist and timeless design


The choice of few elements, with quality and purpose, is central. Neutral colors, simple lines, and natural finishes create serene spaces that prioritize functionality without losing the affective character.
Caroline Feldman, Marcia Lenz and Kathy Cárdenas - In/Out: Connection Space. Project of CASACOR Peru 2025.

Caroline Feldman, Marcia Lenz e Kathy Cárdenas - In/Out: Espacio de conexión. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Renzo Rebagliati/CASACOR)

Environmental awareness and minimalism


Beyond aesthetics, microhouses also represent a positioning. Essentially, reducing space is a conscious consumption act. These constructions require less energy for climate control, fewer materials in construction, less maintenance over time. Some feature water reuse systems, solar panels, cross ventilation, and natural thermal and acoustic insulation solutions.
Claudia Weis Coello - Open Nest. Project of CASACOR Peru 2025.

Claudia Weis Coello - Nido Abierto. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Marcel Suurmond/CASACOR)

The minimalism proposed by microhouses is not only in lean decoration but in the mindset: acquiring less, living with the necessary, and cultivating lighter relationships with objects and space. This simplicity — far from being synonymous with limitation — is what allows for opening space for what truly matters: time, nature, and presence.
Henrique Freneda - Casa Viva. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Henrique Freneda - Casa Viva. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an agent that creates exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.