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Circular Wood Homes with Integrated Rainwater Solutions

Author:
Alexandru Costache
Circular Wood Homes with Integrated Rainwater Solutions

Project in-detail

The circular layout of wood homes incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, creating a sustainable living environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout promotes strong community interaction.
02
Wood homes utilize a low-carbon construction approach.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting for sustainable water management.
04
Design adapts to diverse user needs and preferences.
05
Communal areas enhance social cohesion among residents.

The Slim Smart Sustainable House is a residential project that redefines what home means in an urban setting. It fosters community connections and promotes sustainable living. The design features a circular layout of housing units, which promotes interaction among residents and creates a strong sense of belonging. This arrangement not only looks appealing but also facilitates a cohesive community.

Community Integration

The circular configuration of the housing units enhances social interaction while reducing dependence on traditional travel. By arranging homes in this way, the design encourages neighbors to engage with one another, creating opportunities for shared experiences. This setup is important for building strong community ties, as it allows residents to enjoy communal areas that serve as gathering spots, enriching everyday life.

Sustainable Design

Sustainability is central to the project. Wood is the primary material used in construction, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. This choice helps minimize the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, energy-efficient systems within the homes allow for energy independence, aligning the design with current ecological concerns and demonstrating a responsible approach to modern construction.

Water Management Solutions

Efficient water management is another key feature of the design. The sloped roof captures rainwater and snow, directing it into a storage tank where it is filtered for safe drinking. This method effectively addresses the issue of water conservation and contributes to the project's sustainability goals, showcasing practical resource management while maintaining comfortable living conditions.

The communal space, originally created for construction, transforms into a central hub once the housing units are complete. It becomes a focal point for social gatherings and everyday interactions, helping to build a sense of community among residents. This thoughtful arrangement highlights the interconnectedness of the design elements, resulting in a vibrant and engaging living environment.

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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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