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Corten Steel Tiny Home with Integrated Water Management

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

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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