Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Structure With Integrated Rainwater Harvesting in Rural Setting

Author:
Filip Eugen Lelas
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure With Integrated Rainwater Harvesting in Rural Setting

Project in-detail

A cross-laminated timber construction integrates a rainwater harvesting system and flexible living spaces, providing an efficient and sustainable retreat in a rural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while enhancing thermal insulation.
02
A rainwater harvesting system is integrated, storing up to 6.3 cubic meters for efficient water usage.
03
The design incorporates flexible furniture solutions, allowing adaptable living spaces.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a durable exterior while promoting fire resistance.
05
An outdoor canopy extends the living area, fostering a direct connection with nature.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Microhome Green Hut

### Overview and Intent
Located in rural settings, the Microhome Green Hut is designed to embody principles of sustainability and adaptability, with a total area of 25 square meters. The project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the living spaces and their natural surroundings, allowing inhabitants to experience a strong connection to the environment while enjoying essential comforts.

### Spatial Strategy and Multi-Functionality
The layout features an open design that accommodates a multifunctional living area, which includes a kitchen, storage, bathroom, and workspace. This flexibility allows the space to adapt to the varying needs of its users. A distinctive open canopy extends the indoor living area, facilitating unobstructed access to the outdoors and offering adaptable shading and shelter.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features
The hut is constructed primarily using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for robust insulation and a reduced carbon footprint. Prefabricated concrete elements support rainwater management with a built-in capacity of 6.3 cubic meters for water storage. The durability of the metal roof is enhanced by solar panels generating 2400 kW, reinforcing the hut's self-sustainability while maximizing energy efficiency. Additional elements, such as soil pots for sustainable landscaping and steel beams for structural integrity, further contribute to the eco-friendly design.

Interior finishes emphasize natural materials that blend simplicity with functionality, enhanced by large glass panels that maximize natural light exposure and connect occupants visually and emotionally to the landscape. The inclusion of flexible furniture and movable canvas awnings demonstrates a commitment to user adaptability in various conditions, allowing for community engagement through potential interconnection of multiple units.

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