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Clay-Finished Home With Straw Insulation and Water Management Solutions

Authors:
Lukasz Sakowicz, Urszula Nowacka
Clay-Finished Home With Straw Insulation and Water Management Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed with straw insulation and finished in clay, this home incorporates advanced water management systems, offering a compact yet functional living space focused on sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
High ceilings and large windows enhance natural light and openness.
02
A multifunctional 3-in-1 unit serves as a bed, sofa, and desk.
03
Innovative water purification system using Aquaporin protein and osmosis.
04
Straw insulation reduces environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency.
05
Rainwater reservoir supports sustainable water management practices.

The Straw House project showcases a clear approach to sustainable living combined with efficient design. Located in an area ideal for ecological construction, it places a strong emphasis on making the most of limited space. The design concept focuses on integrating essential functions into a compact layout, providing a comfortable and inviting environment.

Multifunctional Living

Inside the Straw House, different living needs are met with a 3-in-1 unit that serves as a bed, sofa, and desk. This thoughtful arrangement allows for flexibility in use. High ceilings and large windows enhance the feeling of openness, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Sliding walls ensure that privacy can be achieved whenever necessary, enabling the home to adapt to various lifestyle demands.

Water Management Solutions

A significant aspect of the Straw House is its innovative approach to managing water. It incorporates a purification system that uses a membrane with Aquaporin protein and osmosis, aiming to deliver clean drinking water. This feature addresses important concerns about water quality in many households. Additionally, a rainwater reservoir supports sustainability efforts, reducing the reliance on external water sources.

Sustainable Material Choices

The materials used in the construction of the Straw House are carefully chosen to support its sustainability goals. The structure is built with a wooden frame, insulated with straw, and finished with clay. These materials are environmentally friendly and sourced locally. This selection helps optimize energy efficiency and reduces the home's ecological footprint, aligning with current practices that prioritize responsible resource management.

Design Features and Amenities

Thoughtful design features enhance the overall livability of the Straw House. Overhead cabinets provide necessary storage space, while folding chairs contribute to a flexible living area. A suspended net serves as a deckchair, allowing for relaxation or movie watching, adding leisure elements to daily life.

These details highlight a commitment to creating a functional living space that balances comfort with practicality. The design encourages engagement with the surroundings, fostering a connection to both the home and its 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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