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Circular Patio Design with Rainwater Collection and Flexible Spaces

Authors:
Yujia Zhan, Shiyu Wang
Circular Patio Design with Rainwater Collection and Flexible Spaces

Project in-detail

The design’s circular patio enables effective rainwater collection and flexible space utilization, offering a sustainable living solution for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular patio serves as the central hub, enhancing light and ventilation.
02
Rainwater is collected through an integrated system and stored for irrigation.
03
The kitchen features a sliding door that transforms into a semi-open dining space.
04
A folding bed design maximizes space and flexibility in the living area.
05
Self-sufficient vegetable growth is incorporated within the central patio.

Engranpatio is a residential design that brings together functionality and sustainable living. Located in a modern urban environment, the residence is centered around a circular patio that allows natural light and air to flow freely through the various spaces. This design concept enhances the daily experience of its inhabitants while meeting contemporary housing needs.

Design Concept

The main idea focuses on the relationship between closed and open areas. The circular patio serves as the central hub, with the kitchen, toilet, and living room arranged to maximize accessibility. The unique integration of the living room and bedroom allows for a bed that folds into a sofa, providing flexibility and saving space during the day.

Functional Features

Engranpatio includes several functional elements geared towards sustainability. Slightly sloped roofs in the kitchen and bathroom direct rainwater towards a partition wall. This wall plays a pivotal role in collecting rainwater, using thin tubes that lead it into a storage tank. This design not only supports effective water management but also emphasizes the residence's ecological responsibility.

Natural Ventilation

A key component of the architecture is its attention to natural light and ventilation. The circular patio is designed to let in plenty of daylight, improving the living quality for residents. A sliding window at the top functions as a central air outlet. When opened, it works together with the kitchen window to create cross-ventilation, promoting a comfortable indoor climate.

Sustainable Practices

The project features a greywater treatment system, which allows the recycling of wastewater for use in the patio's vegetable area. This integration of food production into the living space highlights a commitment to sustainable practices and healthy living.

The design includes a sliding door that connects the kitchen to the living room. When rotated towards the living room, it transforms the kitchen into a semi-open space, allowing for outdoor dining. This approach encourages interaction with the environment and creates a pleasant atmosphere for cooking and gathering.

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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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