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Floating Micro-Home Crafted from Recovered Wood with Straw Bale Insulation

Floating Micro-Home Crafted from Recovered Wood with Straw Bale Insulation
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Crafted from recovered wood and featuring straw bale insulation, this floating micro-home utilizes solar energy and rainwater harvesting to provide an efficient living space that fosters community engagement on the riverside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from recovered wood, enhancing ecological sustainability.
02
Integrates a straw bale insulation system for superior thermal performance.
03
Floating design allows for repositioning based on sun and water flow.
04
Equipped with solar panels and a rainwater collection system for off-grid living.
05
Features communal gardens to promote interaction among residents.

### Project Overview
Located along a river, the Watershed is a micro home designed for off-grid living. The project aims to foster a connection between residents and their natural surroundings, emphasizing minimalist design principles that support sustainable and communal living. By addressing contemporary environmental challenges, the Watershed presents a functional living space tailored for individuals or couples who value simplicity and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration
The internal layout of the Watershed is designed for multifaceted use, allowing for flexible utilization of space throughout the day. Key areas, including a kitchen, bathroom, and living space, offer comfort while maximizing efficiency. A retractable table serves dual purposes as a dining area and workspace, ensuring that every square foot is used effectively. Additionally, communal spaces adjacent to the housing unit, such as vegetable gardens and composting areas, are incorporated to encourage social interaction and sustainable practices among residents.

### Innovative Mobility and Sustainable Systems
A notable feature of the Watershed is its ability to float and rotate on its base, allowing residents to reposition the structure to optimize solar exposure and enhance comfort. The integration of a solar panel array covering approximately 20 square meters ensures the home operates independently from external power sources. Furthermore, the roof includes a rainwater collection system that channels water into a Kingspan Slimline tank, promoting efficient water usage. This combination of mobility and sustainable systems highlights the project’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while offering a modern living solution.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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