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Constructed Wetland Housing with Rainscreen Cladding and Sustainable OSB Panels

Authors:
Hannah Amy Finnimore, Charlotte Mary Hails
Constructed Wetland Housing with Rainscreen Cladding and Sustainable OSB Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing a constructed wetland for natural water management, this housing development integrates rainscreen cladding and sustainable OSB panels to create eco-friendly residences that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a constructed wetland for natural water management and biodiversity support.
02
Incorporates rainscreen cladding made from sustainably sourced materials.
03
Features energy-efficient SIPs panels for improved insulation.
04
Includes public boardwalks to enhance community connectivity.
05
Integrates high-efficiency glazing for maximum natural light and thermal performance.

### Overview

The ReedBed project, located in the United Kingdom, establishes a model for sustainable housing in response to urbanization and environmental challenges. It aims to minimize ecological impact while fostering a relationship between residents and nearby ecosystems. The design integrates dwellings with a constructed wetland system, enhancing biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship alongside modern living amenities.

### Material Innovation

A focus on sustainable materials is integral to the project’s design. The tapered rainscreen cladding serves as the exterior layer, made from eco-friendly materials that contribute to both durability and aesthetic appeal. Walls are constructed using exposed OSB and structural insulated panels (SIPs) to enhance energy efficiency and thermal insulation. Water management is supported by metal tanks for rainwater collection and innovative greywater treatment systems, which promote circular water use. Additionally, naturally sourced timber flooring and high-efficiency thermally broken doors and windows further enhance indoor comfort and sustainability.

### Ecological and Community Integration

The project's architectural features include raised dwellings that minimize land impact and facilitate natural flood management. Public boardwalks connect homes to communal areas, promoting engagement and interaction within the community. A constructed wetland serves multiple ecological functions, enriching both the habitat and residents' daily experiences by providing educational and recreational opportunities. The incorporation of biophilic design principles fosters a living environment enriched with natural elements, enhancing residents' mental wellbeing and overall living quality.

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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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