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Elevated Living with a Central Water Tower and Lightweight Structure

Authors:
Andy Au, Luoyi Chen
Elevated Living with a Central Water Tower and Lightweight Structure

Project in-detail

A central water tower encases a spiral staircase in this modular house, promoting air circulation and elevated living while effectively responding to tropical climate conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral staircase is housed within a central water cooling tower for enhanced air circulation.
02
The modular design allows for easy adaptation to various rural settings.
03
Elevated living spaces provide increased safety and environmental oversight.
04
Dedicated focus on lightweight materials ensures structural integrity with minimal impact.
05
The integration of climate-responsive features enhances comfort across tropical environments.

The Dandelion Modular House 2022 showcases an innovative approach to modern living through the use of modular design. Located in a setting that demands flexibility, the residence addresses the relationship between its elements and the spaces they create. The concept focuses on the idea of interdependence while emphasizing functionality and connection with the environment, resulting in a practical and efficient housing solution.

Central Design Element

A key feature of the Dandelion Modular House is the central stairwell, which acts as the heart of the home. This space supports air circulation, improving indoor air quality and promoting a healthier living environment. The design also incorporates a spiral staircase situated within a water cooling tower. This choice harmonizes practicality and visual appeal, enhancing the home's functionality.

Adaptation to Climate

The house anticipates various climate conditions, including those typical of rainforest, tropical savanna, and tropical monsoon environments. By considering these climatic factors, the design ensures resilience and comfort throughout all seasons. This adaptability is particularly important in rural areas, where changes in weather can have significant impacts on daily life.

Modularity and Elevated Living

The modular and stackable design allows the Dandelion Modular House to adapt to its surroundings efficiently. This elevated living model reduces exposure to ground-level risks, improving safety. It also offers occupants the benefit of greater visibility over their surroundings, akin to the security provided by treehouses while maintaining a sense of refuge and comfort.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is woven into the design through the reuse of materials, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility. Though specific materials are not disclosed, the emphasis on lightweight building elements suggests a choice aimed at ensuring structural stability without negatively impacting the environment.

The project culminates in the thoughtful arrangement of its design elements. This creates a cohesive space that fosters connection and personal experiences, highlighting a refined engagement with contemporary requirements for living.

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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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