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Elevated Earth Housing with Integrated Rainwater Systems

Author:
Elena Pistiloglou
Elevated Earth Housing with Integrated Rainwater Systems

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground, this housing utilizes earth and wooden frames, integrating a rainwater collection system while preserving green spaces, to provide affordable living options in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated housing units allow for natural airflow and light access beneath.
02
Earth used as a primary building material enhances sustainability.
03
Integrated rainwater collection system reduces water dependency.
04
Wooden frames offer flexibility in design and aesthetics.
05
Strategic site selection promotes green space within urban density.

The proposed design addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in London, a city known for its dense urban landscape. The approach focuses on using prefabricated elements, with earth as the primary material enclosed within wooden frames. This choice not only aims to reduce construction costs but also aligns with sustainable practices. The housing integrates living spaces within green areas, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes the coexistence of residential units and green spaces. By elevating the homes several meters off the ground, the project preserves existing parkland and promotes a balance with nature. This elevation allows light and air to flow freely around and beneath the units, enhancing the quality of life for residents while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.

Materials and Structure

Wooden facades and brick are employed to provide flexibility in design, catering to various economic needs and personal preferences. The use of these materials ensures a robust structure while allowing for different aesthetic expressions. The arrangement of the housing units is centered around vertical axis columns, which not only reinforces the overall framework but also optimizes the spatial layout.

Water Management System

An important feature is the rainwater collection system made of vertical blinds that capture rainwater and direct it into small storage tanks. This system offers a practical solution for domestic water use, particularly where clean water is not necessary. By promoting water conservation, the design reflects a commitment to resource efficiency and sustainability.

Urban Integration

The project’s site selection strategically utilizes underused urban areas, such as the spaces between roads and adjacent parks. This choice enhances urban density without compromising green areas. Additionally, a phased development approach allows for adjustment based on community needs, ensuring that the housing remains relevant to the population it serves.

The arrangement of the living units offers a variety of layouts, making them suitable for different lifestyles. This flexibility enhances the user experience and fosters a sense of community within the residential environment. Each detail contributes to a vibrant and supportive living space.

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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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