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Flexible Glass Volume with Integrated Greywater Management in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Andrés Guzmán, Rafael Jaime
Flexible Glass Volume with Integrated Greywater Management in a Natural Setting

Project in-detail

A flexible glass volume coupled with integrated greywater management enhances the natural landscape of Vale de Moses, providing a sustainable living space that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible design allows for adaptation to various functions and user needs.
02
Integrated greywater cleansing pond supports sustainable water management.
03
Glass volume maximizes natural light while controlling solar exposure.
04
Pitched roof design reflects local architectural traditions.
05
Chimney serves as both a solar collector and seasonal firepit.

Located in Vale de Moses, the design emphasizes the relationship between people and the environment. It focuses on creating a living space that is both flexible and adaptable. Instead of using several fixed cabins, the proposal introduces a large cover that functions as a versatile area, encouraging various uses and fostering a sense of community.

Design Concept

The central idea revolves around flexibility, allowing the space to respond to different needs. The expansive structure is created to have minimal effects on the surrounding landscape, promoting a connection with the natural terrain. This design prioritizes a free space, one that can change and adapt, highlighting the importance of user control within the environment.

Materials and Aesthetics

The design incorporates a glass volume, which is key to managing light and controlling solar exposure. This choice not only adds to the visual appeal but also helps maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. The pitched roof is reinterpreted based on local architectural styles, establishing a visual link to the cultural context while fulfilling practical roles in collecting sunlight for energy use.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a significant role in the project, with a focus on efficient water management. The design includes rainwater collection pools and a greywater cleansing pond. These features support water conservation and represent a commitment to creating a self-sufficient habitat that works in harmony with nature. Such systems enhance the interaction between the built environment and local ecosystems.

Functional Elements

A noteworthy element is the chimney, which serves a dual purpose. In summer, it acts as a solar collector, while in winter, it functions as a firepit. This aspect reflects a focus on efficiency and comfort, allowing the structure to adapt to changing weather conditions. The thoughtful design of these functional elements emphasizes how architecture can promote a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape.

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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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