Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Buffered Bathtubs and Recycled Insulation in a Self-Sufficient Home

Author:
Jules-valentin Boucher
Buffered Bathtubs and Recycled Insulation in a Self-Sufficient Home
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing buffered bathtubs for phytodepuration and recycled insulating wool, the design offers a sustainable living environment tailored for young couples in temperate climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes buffered bathtubs for an innovative phytodepuration system.
02
Features walls made of recycled insulating wool for enhanced sustainability.
03
Offers adaptable living spaces that can expand from 25 to 40 square meters.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting and grey water separation for efficient water management.
05
Employs a lightweight structure with a focus on low-tech construction methods.

MICROHOUSE MACROHOME is designed for young couples in climates such as those found in Paris or Kyoto. The focus is on adaptability, sustainability, and minimalism. Low-tech solutions are incorporated to maximize the functionality of the living space while reducing environmental impact. The concept revolves around creating a home that can grow and change as the needs of its residents evolve.

Layout and Spatial Configuration

The layout allows for a flexible living experience. Initially, the space measures 25 square meters but can expand to 40 square meters due to well-planned double-height ceilings. This possibility for expansion is a key feature of the design. The open configuration promotes a strong connection between indoor and outdoor areas, encouraging residents to feel more at ease in their environment.

Water Management System

An important part of the design is the water management system. Rainwater harvesting is integrated to provide a sustainable source of water. The system also separates drinkable water from grey water, promoting responsible usage. Additionally, reused bathtubs for phytodepuration add to the ecological approach, enhancing the project's overall sustainability.

Material Selection

The project relies on several materials that support its focus on sustainability. Exposed insulating wool made from recycled fabric is used in the walls. Structural plywood or OSB provides essential support. Insulating wool is sourced from either recycled materials or biobased options, while waterproof sheeting offers protection from moisture. Timber battens and hardwood cladding contribute to the structure, and corrugated translucent polycarbonate roofing allows natural light to fill the interior.

Functional Living Scenarios

Various functional living scenarios are included in the design to cater to different lifestyle needs. These scenarios feature a bedroom with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, a kingsized bedroom with a small office, and a home office that accommodates sleeping arrangements on futons. This flexibility in the design allows residents to tailor their spaces according to their preferences and day-to-day routines.

The facade of MICROHOUSE MACROHOME shows a blend of textures and proportions, adding to its visual appeal while ensuring that natural light can enter the interior. This design detail enhances the overall atmosphere, creating a comfortable and inviting home.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy