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Elevated Modular Homes with Efficient Rainwater Filtration and Flexible Components

Author:
Mahsa Abdkarimi
Elevated Modular Homes with Efficient Rainwater Filtration and Flexible Components

Project in-detail

With an efficient rainwater filtration system and a modular design that allows for easy transport and assembly, these homes provide adaptable living spaces suitable for various climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular components enable easy transport and assembly by individuals.
02
Jacks provide elevation solutions for uneven terrains without requiring foundations.
03
Integrated rainwater filtration system promotes self-sufficiency in water use.
04
Cross-ventilation enhances indoor air quality through strategically positioned windows.
05
Adaptable designs allow for various configurations based on user preferences.

Puzzle Town introduces a practical approach to modular housing, designed to meet the current needs for efficient construction and sustainable living. It focuses on creating homes that can adapt to various environments and user preferences. This modular system enhances ease of transportation and assembly, allowing for quick deployment and customization in different locations.

Modular Components

The design consists of several modular components, such as floor panels, wall panels, roof panels, and supporting columns. Each part is created to be lightweight and easy to handle, which allows individuals to transport them without special equipment. This setup streamlines the construction process and reduces logistical challenges, making it accessible for a wider range of users.

Transportation and Assembly

Components can be moved using standard trucks, with an arrangement that optimizes space within the cargo area. Upon reaching the site, the assembly begins without the need for cranes. Four girder elements fit into predefined holes beneath the truck, while eight jacks lift the container to a suitable height. This method simplifies and quickens the assembly while maintaining flexibility in the construction process.

Adaptability and Sustainability

Each home has a floor area of 80 square meters and can be configured in various ways to suit different needs. The structure is designed to be multi-story, allowing users to personalize their living spaces. It is also capable of functioning well in various climates. The use of jacks helps to build homes on sloped land, minimizing the need for deep foundations.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. The inclined roof panels are designed to collect rainwater, directing it to grooves in the beams. This water is funneled into a purification system located in the bathroom. The filtration setup uses three buckets to ensure clean water is available for use, promoting a self-sufficient water system within the home.

Ventilation is carefully considered, with windows placed on opposite sides of the building to encourage airflow. The ability to open windows from both the top and bottom enhances indoor air quality, making the living space more comfortable.

Overall, Puzzle Town demonstrates a thoughtful approach to modular housing that balances practical living needs with environmental considerations, paving a way for future designs focused on sustainability and efficiency.

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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
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