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Curved Walls and Green Roofs with EcoSan Toilets in a Sustainable Landscape

Author:
Rosita Di mizio
Curved Walls and Green Roofs with EcoSan Toilets in a Sustainable Landscape

Project in-detail

The integration of curved walls and a green roof, complemented by EcoSan toilets and a landscape of 10,000 fruit trees, creates an environmentally sustainable living space designed for off-grid functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved walls enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
02
A green roof supports biodiversity and rainwater management.
03
Human waste is composted through EcoSan toilets.
04
10,000 fruit trees are planted using humanure in the surrounding landscape.
05
Gray water recovery systems repurpose water for irrigation and flushing.

The "Curved Walls - Green Roof" design stands out in its countryside setting, promoting sustainable living through a thoughtful arrangement of space and form. The modular structure features distinctive curved walls that not only add aesthetic value but also enhance the building's energy performance. Designed for off-grid living, it provides a practical solution for modern environmentally-conscious residents.

Design Concept

The design embraces a fluid form that departs from typical straight lines. Curved walls create a unique connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and air to flow freely throughout. This approach not only fosters a welcoming atmosphere but also improves energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is central to the design, with features such as SOIL's EcoSan toilets that compost human waste. This method contributes to a circular approach to resources. In addition, the landscape integrates 10,000 fruit trees planted with humanure, creating a blend of living space and productive land. These elements together demonstrate a commitment to merging human habits with nature.

Energy and Water Systems

To ensure energy independence, the structure incorporates various renewable energy systems. Wind turbines and solar panels on the roof harness natural resources, while a solar thermal heating system provides hot water for everyday use. Water efficiency is prioritized through gray water recovery, which collects used water from sinks and showers, allowing it to be reused for irrigation and toilet flushing.

Lighting and Landscaping Strategies

Lighting design employs energy-efficient options like CFL, LED, and OLED fixtures positioned to maximize visibility without excessive energy consumption. The landscaping strategy further supports ecological responsibility, utilizing mulch from removed trees and reusing excavated materials for constructing site foundations. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall environment.

The building's exterior features vegetation that aids in insulation and supports local wildlife, fostering a sense of biodiversity and connection to nature. This combination of practical design and ecological sensitivity creates a unique living experience that aligns with contemporary environmental challenges.

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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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