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Elevated Flood Resilience Through Plywood Structures and Integrated Bio-Digester Systems

Author:
Ryan Scott Fuller
Elevated Flood Resilience Through Plywood Structures and Integrated Bio-Digester Systems

Project in-detail

Elevated three feet above ground to enhance flood resilience, the microhome employs plywood construction and an integrated bio-digester system to provide sustainable housing for farmworkers in California's Central Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated three feet to prevent flood risk while maintaining thermal stability.
02
Designed with multi-functional spaces to maximize limited area of 25 square meters.
03
Incorporates an innovative bio-digester for efficient waste management and methane production.
04
Features strategically placed windows to optimize natural light and reduce heat gain.
05
Constructed using metal helical piles for a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional foundations.

# Oasis Microhome Project Description

## Project Overview

The Oasis Microhome project addresses housing challenges faced by farmworkers in California’s Central Valley, a region that contributes significantly to the United States' agricultural output. It focuses on delivering affordable and sustainable living solutions while fostering community engagement and social support among residents.

## Design Principles and Functional Features

The design of the Oasis Microhome prioritizes sustainability, functionality, and user adaptability. The microhomes are elevated three feet above ground to facilitate natural drainage during flooding and to reduce heating and cooling costs through enhanced insulation. The strategic orientation and carefully placed fenestration harness natural light while minimizing heat gain, essential for this climate. The compact layout utilizes multi-functional spaces, where elements such as retractable furniture allow for versatile living arrangements within a floor area of 25 square meters.

The integration of a bio-digester system exemplifies efficient waste management by converting organic waste into methane for cooking and liquid fertilizer, thus establishing a closed-loop system. The spatial arrangement promotes communal living, with microhomes arranged in a grid format that encourages social interaction and resource sharing among residents.

## Sustainable Material Choices

The materials used in the Oasis Microhome reflect a commitment to sustainability and practicality. Key materials include plywood and metal for structural elements, which provide durability and strength while minimizing environmental impact. The design avoids conventional concrete in favor of helical metal piles for foundational support, reducing the carbon footprint. Photovoltaic panels enhance energy independence, enabling off-grid capabilities, while a raised metal roof facilitates rainwater collection. Careful consideration of insulation types ensures energy efficiency, reducing both costs and environmental impact. The overall material selection supports the project's goal of creating a livable, sustainable environment for agricultural workers.

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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

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