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Algae-Powered Energy and Hydroponic Living in a Compact Micro Home

Authors:
Nuha Imran, Hishma Waheed, Saudah Razni, Aishath Reesha
Algae-Powered Energy and Hydroponic Living in a Compact Micro Home

Project in-detail

Equipped with algae-powered energy systems and a smart indoor gardening setup, this micro home integrates sustainable living with innovative technology to support efficient and self-reliant urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Smart Indoor Gardening System allows for year-round organic food production.
02
Algae-powered energy screens generate renewable energy for home systems.
03
Retractable ceiling bed maximizes usable floor space.
04
Movable furniture adapts to various living functions and storage needs.
05
Rainwater collection system provides a sustainable water source.

AGROSCAPE is a micro home designed for modern living, covering a compact area of just 25 square meters. It meets the growing demand for efficient and self-reliant living spaces in quickly changing urban environments. By blending advanced technology with sustainable practices, the design supports a lifestyle centered around simplicity and functionality.

Smart Indoor Gardening System

A key element of AGROSCAPE is its Smart Indoor Gardening System. This feature allows residents to grow, harvest, and sprout organic produce year-round. With smart watering systems and energy-efficient lighting in place, the setup ensures optimal conditions for plant growth while conserving resources. The aquaponics system complements this by providing fresh produce and irrigation for the garden.

Multifunctional Spaces

The interior of AGROSCAPE focuses on making the best use of limited space. The kitchen includes a pull-out counter, which serves both cooking and dining needs. It is equipped with a built-in fridge and a food waste composter, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable living. Innovative moving furniture is controlled by smart technology, allowing for efficient use of space. Bathrooms can be concealed when not in use, and there is a mini walk-in closet to enhance storage. Hidden areas under the floor provide additional functionality with a sofa and dining surfaces.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of AGROSCAPE. The design features algae-powered energy screens that use algae as a renewable energy source. This approach minimizes the ecological impact while powering various systems in the home. Smart glass is installed to manage natural light and privacy, adjusting between clear and opaque states as needed. Furthermore, a rainwater collection system is included, providing an essential resource for drinking water.

The retractable ceiling bed maximizes space, allowing it to be hidden when not in use. This design keeps the interior open and airy. The working station, located behind the hydroponics cupboard, combines practicality with visual appeal. This thoughtful arrangement illustrates AGROSCAPE's focus on effective and efficient design solutions.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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