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Creating Resilience with Stilt Construction and Rainwater Collection in a Compact Home

Authors:
Nacho Mauricio, Diana Yambao, Charles Dela Cruz
Creating Resilience with Stilt Construction and Rainwater Collection in a Compact Home
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Elevated on a stilt foundation, this compact home utilizes rainwater collection and incorporates vertical lines to maximize space while offering a functional living environment for young professional couples.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design protects against flooding and vermin.
02
Integrates a rainwater collection system within the underfloor space.
03
Maximizes spatial efficiency with built-in collapsible furniture.
04
Features vertical lines that enhance natural light and height perception.
05
Mezzanine area is designed for dual use as a sleeping and workspace.

LUME is an innovative home set in a rural location, aimed at meeting the needs of young professional couples. It draws inspiration from traditional stilt houses, utilizing a raised floor to protect against flooding and pests. This design response not only increases the building’s resilience but also allows it to blend harmoniously with the landscape.

Building Design
- The entrance features a foyer that welcomes both residents and guests. A sloped roof is an important element, providing strength against harsh weather and enabling effective rainwater collection. The inclusion of solar panels allows for enhanced energy efficiency, supporting eco-friendly living.



Interior Layout
- The design emphasizes an open interior that connects living areas with functional spaces. On the ground floor, the kitchen merges with the shared entryway, creating an easy flow throughout. A hidden laundry area behind cabinets maintains the home’s clean look while ensuring that essential tasks can be managed discreetly.



Mezzanine Functionality
- A key aspect of LUME is the mezzanine, which maximizes the generous ceiling height to create a sleeping area. This space holds a twin-size bed, thoughtful storage solutions, and a compact workspace with a television. The vertical layout is ideal for modern living, effectively utilizing available space for comfort.



Energy Management Systems
- Advanced energy and waste management systems are integral to the design. The rainwater collection system, featuring gutters, tanks, and pumps, ensures efficient use of natural resources. The compost sewage system processes waste efficiently, while the solar panel setup, with controllers and inverters, focuses on renewable energy use.



Natural light flows into the home, highlighting vertical lines that create a sense of openness. This attention to detail fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, where interior spaces feel both spacious and connected to the outside.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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