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Community Micro-Homes with Rainwater Harvesting and Green Roofs

Author:
Stephanie Cote
Community Micro-Homes with Rainwater Harvesting and Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Rainwater harvesting systems and green roofs define a series of interconnected micro-homes that promote community living and self-sufficiency in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater harvesting systems enhance water efficiency for communal living.
02
Green roofs enable residents to cultivate their own food.
03
Micro-homes support a compact living model with shared resources.
04
Cross ventilation promotes natural airflow and thermal comfort.
05
Recycled materials reduce environmental impact during construction.

The Petal Pod project addresses the challenges of urban living in marginalized communities. It focuses on providing solutions that are both innovative and practical. Located in areas where populations are growing quickly, the design promotes micro-housing and communal resources. The concept aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through thoughtful and sustainable strategies.

Water Management

An effective approach to water management is central to the design. Each pod has an increased surface area that allows for rainwater harvesting. This method ensures that significant amounts of rainwater can be collected, which is vital in regions facing water scarcity. The layout consists of six pods surrounding a shared cistern that provides potable water, encouraging efficiency and resource sharing among residents.

Living and Agricultural Spaces

Each pod is designed to fit into a space of around 24 square meters, creating efficient living areas that include a kitchen, bathroom, and a communal living space. Green roofs are an important feature, as they facilitate urban farming, giving residents the chance to grow their own food. This feature supports self-sufficiency and aims to make food production more accessible. The installation of decomposable toilets also reduces water usage while contributing organic fertilizer for the crops.

Ventilation and Natural Light

Ventilation and natural light play crucial roles in the overall comfort of the pods. Cross ventilation is implemented through the use of louvers and skylight vents, promoting airflow and maintaining a pleasant indoor climate. Windows are positioned strategically to maximize daylight, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere in the compact living spaces.

Material Selection and Construction

Sustainability is a key aspect of the construction process as well. Recycled steel and wood are selected as materials, reinforcing the commitment to environmentally responsible building practices. The use of prefabricated panels allows for quicker assembly, which is essential in providing timely housing solutions for urban populations. These materials help minimize the environmental impact of the project.

The circular layout of the pods encourages a sense of community and social interaction among residents. This design fosters connections, making it possible for people to live closely while also enjoying privacy in their individual spaces.

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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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