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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pods with Greywater Recovery on a Cliff

Authors:
Beatrice Spezia, Riccardo Lazzarato, Noemi Russo, Anna Sciscio
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pods with Greywater Recovery on a Cliff

Project in-detail

Elevated on a cliff, the sleeping pods utilize fiber-reinforced concrete and efficient greywater recovery systems, providing a sustainable living option that integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each pod is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for minimal environmental disruption.
02
Fiber-reinforced concrete is used for structural stability, enhancing durability in a cliff-setting.
03
The design includes an efficient greywater recovery system that promotes resource conservation.
04
Photovoltaic panels are integrated for renewable energy, supporting off-grid living.
05
The layout positions the pods to optimize natural views while preserving the landscape.

The sleeping pods on a cliff offer a fresh approach to modular living. They are designed to fit into a rugged natural setting while focusing on sustainability and practicality. These pods serve as self-sufficient units, allowing occupants to experience life off the grid while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Structural Integrity

The sleeping pods feature a modular design that makes assembly and disassembly straightforward. Prefabricated components arrive at the construction site by helicopter and truck, minimizing the environmental impact associated with building. Once on-site, a wooden floor is laid, supported by a screw foundation that provides stability, essential for high-altitude locations.

Material Specifications

Selected materials play a significant role in ensuring the robustness and energy efficiency of the pods. Fiber cement and Xlam are used in the foundation-floor joints, helping to establish a solid base. The wall-floor junction combines fiber-reinforced concrete and extruded polystyrene, enhancing strength and insulation. For flooring, porcelain tiles are chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Each pod is designed to operate independently, incorporating modern energy systems. Water heaters equipped with heat pumps meet the heating needs, while a greywater recovery system promotes efficient water use. Photovoltaic panels harness solar energy, allowing occupants to rely less on external power sources. This focus on renewable resources aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable living arrangements.

Natural Integration

The design of the sleeping pods considers the surrounding terrain. Each unit is positioned to take advantage of the views while maintaining a low visual impact. This thoughtful placement enhances the experience for those inside and helps preserve the natural beauty of the cliff. The project emphasizes a connection to nature, reflecting the landscape's rugged characteristics.

The roof design includes a gentle slope, allowing for effective rainwater collection and creating covered outdoor spaces for relaxation. This practical feature adds functionality while enhancing the overall experience of the pods, inviting occupants to spend time outside in a natural setting.

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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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