Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Corten Steel Tiny Home with Integrated Water Management

Authors:
Ji Sun, Emily Kaing, Lilit Houlder
Corten Steel Tiny Home with Integrated Water Management

Project in-detail

Constructed with Corten steel and designed for efficient water management, the tiny home redefines urban living by integrating sustainable practices within a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Corten steel panels for durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates a passive water management system to capture and reuse rainfall.
03
Features a compact footprint of 5m x 5m, maximizing urban space efficiency.
04
Includes diverse garden spaces that promote biodiversity and ecological health.
05
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing solar panel structures.

The design project located in Downtown Calgary presents a modern response to urban living in a challenging climate. It introduces a compact tiny home focused on sustainability and effective water management. The concept highlights the importance of water as both a vital resource and a challenge in urban settings, specifically addressing the arid conditions of Calgary.

Water Management

At the core of the design is a well-thought-out water management system that captures, purifies, and reuses rainfall. This approach aims to prevent flooding while promoting responsible use of water resources. By emphasizing passive systems, the design connects with the local landscape, integrating water flow into daily life.

Spatial Organization

The tiny home is built within a compact footprint of 5m x 5m. The layout is designed efficiently to accommodate necessary living spaces. It includes an open living room and kitchen that support social interactions, while a separate bedroom space and workspace cater to privacy and productivity. Essential features like a bathroom and a deck enhance comfort and utility.

Landscape Integration

Outdoor space is an essential part of the design. The project includes various types of gardens, such as rain gardens, vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, and high shrub gardens. These elements not only add beauty but also promote ecological health. By combining private and public garden spaces, the design encourages residents to connect with nature and foster community relationships.

Materials chosen for the structure include Corten steel panels, metal solar panel structures, and concrete. These materials provide durability and efficiency. They help the home withstand Calgary's weather while also contributing to energy savings.

The attentive approach to water management, spatial efficiency, and landscape design results in a solution that addresses modern living challenges. It creates an environment where residents can thrive while being mindful of their ecological footprint.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy