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Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay Plaster Create a Sustainable Microhabitat Embracing Aquaponics

Author:
Marco R Rose
Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay Plaster Create a Sustainable Microhabitat Embracing Aquaponics

Project in-detail

Emphasizing cross-laminated timber and clay plaster, this microhome integrates an aquaponic system within its design, promoting sustainable living while facilitating community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an integrated aquaponic system to support food sustainability.
02
Incorporates a central pond that enhances biodiversity within the living space.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
04
Employs renewable cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Integrates vertical gardens to maximize space and promote permaculture practices.

### Overview
The Symbiotic Microhome is located in a landscape characterized by heathland and forest, designed to establish a sustainable living environment aligned with ecological systems. This project aims to accommodate residents while promoting biodiversity and ecological balance through thoughtful architectural interventions.

### Spatial and Functional Layout
The design features a distinctive architectural form, combining rounded and angular shapes that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. A central aquaponic pond serves as a focal point, contributing to food production while symbolizing unity within the community. Additionally, optional greenhouse spaces enable year-round vegetable cultivation, reinforcing the connection to local food systems and ecological awareness.

### Material Choices and Sustainability
The material selection is carefully curated to reflect sustainable practices. Wood sourced from renewable resources is employed for structural components and cladding, ensuring thermal efficiency and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Clay plaster enhances indoor air quality and thermal regulation, while the incorporation of recyclable materials minimizes waste at the end of their life cycle. These choices not only support the structural integrity of the microhome but also emphasize the commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Features and Community Engagement
An innovative aquaponics system is central to the microhome's design, leveraging the symbiotic relationships between plants, fish, and bacteria to maximize food production with minimal water use. Furthermore, communal areas are integrated to promote social interaction and resource sharing among residents, fostering a sense of community that counters typical suburban isolation. The architectural framework encourages educational opportunities, demonstrating sustainable living practices for both residents and visitors.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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