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Closed-Loop Water System in a-Frame Micro Home with Local Materials

Author:
Sophie Herqué
Closed-Loop Water System in a-Frame Micro Home with Local Materials
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The recirculating water system and local materials showcase a self-sufficient A-frame micro home designed for energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recirculating shower system significantly reduces daily water usage through a closed-loop design.
02
Elevated on wooden piles, the structure adapts to varying site conditions and improves drainage.
03
A-frame shape optimizes natural light capture and thermal performance.
04
Material palette includes locally sourced wood, hay, and earth, emphasizing sustainability.
05
Technical facilities are discreetly integrated into a lower ground floor for an uncluttered living space.

Le Mirador is an A-frame micro-home designed with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. Elevated on wooden piles, it adapts to different site conditions and connects well with its natural environment. The home functions as a residential space, offering a living experience that emphasizes energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

Orientation and Thermal Performance

The design strategically maximizes thermal performance. An opening angled at 45 degrees in the southern wall allows sunlight to enter, which reduces the need for artificial heating. This thoughtful placement ensures energy efficiency while creating a comfortable atmosphere for occupants, enhancing the overall living experience.

Spatial Arrangement and Technical Facilities

Inside, the layout clearly separates technical facilities from living areas, resulting in an organized environment. The lower ground floor accommodates crucial systems such as the battery bank, photovoltaic (PV) combiner, cisterns, and septic tanks. This separation keeps essential utilities out of sight, promoting a clean and uncluttered aesthetic within the living spaces.

Water Recycling System

One notable feature is the recirculating shower, which uses a closed-loop water recycling system. This innovation allows the home to capture and filter water for reuse, significantly cutting down on daily water consumption. Such a feature underscores the focus on resource management, aligning with contemporary standards for sustainable living.

Materials and Environmental Responsibility

Materials used in constructing Le Mirador include wood, hay, and earth. These choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, as they can often be sourced locally and have minimal environmental impact. This selection emphasizes a practical approach, harmonizing the home with its surrounding landscape while being responsible for resource usage.

The design of Le Mirador is defined by its A-frame shape, combined with large double-glazed bay windows that invite natural light inside. This design detail connects indoor spaces with the outside views, creating a welcoming atmosphere full of light and nature.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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