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EPS Core Pods with Integrated Hydroponics for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Nischay Shetty, Nishanth C.m
EPS Core Pods with Integrated Hydroponics for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with EPS core materials and designed for off-grid living, these modular pods incorporate hydroponics and rainwater management systems, providing sustainable housing solutions in diverse environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using EPS core materials for enhanced insulation and lightweight properties.
02
Incorporates a tripod-like base for adaptability to various site conditions.
03
Features built-in furniture and plumbing to maximize interior space efficiency.
04
Utilizes solar panels for energy independence and off-grid functionality.
05
Designed with a rainwater management system for sustainable water use.

LIVING DROPS presents a modern housing solution designed for a variety of locations, including urban sites, sloped landscapes, and coastal regions. The focus is on affordability, sustainability, and transportability, ensuring both durability and fast construction. The overall design connects practical living spaces with environmental considerations.

Structural Design

The structure features a monolithic design supported by a central column. This central component holds the outer envelope together, providing strength. The arrangement allows for easy placement on solid ground, often requiring little excavation, which simplifies the assembly process. A unique tripod-like base increases adaptability, making it possible to modify the space for added storage beneath the walkway as needed.

Interior Layout

Inside each pod, built-in furniture and plumbing systems are integrated into the walls. This thoughtful arrangement maximizes space and cuts down on construction time, leading to cost savings. Furniture embedded in the walls also enhances stability, helping the pods maintain their integrity during transportation from production to the site.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a major role in the design. Solar panels and a hydroponics system enable the units to function independently from the grid. This capability is especially important in remote areas without access to traditional utilities. Additionally, the outer surfaces of the pods can be used for extra solar energy collection or hydroponic gardening, further supporting the project’s environmental goals.

Water Management

An effective approach to water management is fundamental to the design. The shape of the pods directs rainwater to drip trays, which then channel it into storage tanks for filtration and use. Beneath the main floor, sewage and freshwater tanks are strategically placed, equipped with a filtration system that guarantees clean water supply for residents.

The overall form of each pod is complemented by the use of EPS core panels for insulation, combined with weather-resistant shotcrete. This results in a resilient living unit that not only meets practical needs but also responds to environmental challenges. The careful blend of functionality and design contributes to a practical solution for modern housing needs.

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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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