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Bioswales and Diamond Piers in Compact Microhome Communities

Authors:
Alejandro Marin, Jared Nurnberger
Bioswales and Diamond Piers in Compact Microhome Communities

Project in-detail

Integrating bioswales and diamond piers, the development transforms urban parking lots into sustainable microhome communities that promote efficient living and environmental resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bioswales to manage stormwater and enhance local biodiversity.
02
Constructed on diamond piers to minimize ground impact and allow for natural drainage.
03
Features modular microhomes that fit within the dimensions of standard parking stalls.
04
Incorporates a butterfly roof design for optimal solar panel placement and rainwater collection.
05
Surrounds homes with edible landscaping to promote sustainability and community engagement.

The project focuses on changing underused parking lots into microhome communities, providing solutions to complex housing needs and sustainability issues. Located in urban areas where parking spaces often remain empty, it takes advantage of existing infrastructure. The design concept highlights modularity and flexibility, allowing microhomes to make efficient use of limited space while fostering a strong sense of community.

Modular Design Concept
Each microhome is designed to occupy the combined space of two standard parking stalls. This approach maximizes land use and encourages interaction among residents. The introduction of green spaces, such as bioswales, not only enhances the environment but also helps manage water runoff, supporting biodiversity in the city.

Structural Framework
The microhomes sit on diamond piers, elevating them and reducing impact on the ground below. This foundation supports a system of primary wooden beams and secondary joists, creating a solid structure that ensures stability over time. High-density insulation boards in the floor assembly contribute to overall energy efficiency, and the choice of finished flooring offers both function and style.

Wall Assembly and Interior Features
The walls feature finished wood panels, which enhance the interior atmosphere. A vapor barrier is used to regulate indoor moisture. The construction method employs prefabricated wall modules, enabling faster assembly on-site. Each microhome includes flexible amenities, such as mechanical units and retractable partition walls, allowing for various living arrangements. Moveable furniture, including Murphy beds, maximizes space, making these homes adaptable to different needs.

Sustainable Roofing Solutions
The design incorporates a butterfly roof that facilitates the installation of solar panels and rainwater collection systems. This feature increases natural light and airflow within each unit, contributing to a healthier living environment. Surrounding each home, edible plantings offer fresh produce while adding to the community’s greenery, blending utility with aesthetic appeal.

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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

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