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Ecological Hub Featuring Sustainable Water Management and Urban Agriculture

Authors:
Jacob Weiner, Jonathan Walch, Gabriel Monterossa, John Paris
Ecological Hub Featuring Sustainable Water Management and Urban Agriculture

Project in-detail

An advanced water treatment facility processes wastewater while supporting local agriculture through efficient irrigation systems, all within a multifunctional community hub designed to foster interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
A dedicated water treatment facility recycles wastewater for agricultural use.
02
Drip irrigation systems efficiently deliver water to crops, minimizing waste.
03
Mixed-use spaces encourage community interaction and education opportunities.
04
Strategically positioned agricultural zones support local food production.
05
Public spaces are integrated to foster connections between residents and nature.

The RIVER PROJECT PURIFICATION combines agriculture and urban living in a way that supports sustainability while encouraging community interaction. The site is designed to integrate various functions, like local farming, housing, shops, and educational spaces. At its core is a solid concept focused on creating an ecological cycle that connects water management with food production and social engagement.

Water Management Systems
A key feature is the water treatment plant that processes wastewater from nearby buildings. This facility plays an important role in recycling water, helping to nourish the landscape and allowing it to flow back into the river. Complementing this system are drip irrigation systems that make the most of the available water for crops. These elements demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and provide for the agricultural needs of the urban setting.

Functional Zoning
The design includes a variety of functional areas such as agricultural fields, parking lots, townhouses, mixed-use structures, a farmers market, a museum, and places for study. Each aspect is positioned with thoughtfulness to make it easy for people to access and engage with the space. The agricultural area is particularly significant as it focuses on local food production, which helps reduce the reliance on supplies coming from far away.

Public Engagement Spaces
The design thoughtfully incorporates public spaces, reinforcing the importance of community involvement. With areas like the farmers market and academic facilities, the project promotes learning about local food production and sustainable practices. These spaces create opportunities for people to connect with agriculture and one another, forming a central hub within the urban environment.

The interplay between agricultural land and built structures highlights a notable aspect of the design. Green spaces flourish alongside the urban elements, inviting reflection on the relationship between nature and city life. This relationship encourages a closer connection to food sources and emphasizes the value of community in today's world.

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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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