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Floating Residence with Energy-Generating Waterwheel and Plywood Framework

Authors:
Levente Balasko, Tilla Pálinkás-szűcs, Gábor Houchard, Réka Szatmári
Floating Residence with Energy-Generating Waterwheel and Plywood Framework

Project in-detail

Harnessing the river's energy through a waterwheel, this floating residence utilizes a plywood framework and custom furnishings to create an eco-friendly and efficient living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Harnesses river energy through a functional waterwheel.
02
Features a plywood frame topped with corrugated sheet for durability.
03
Custom furniture enhances spatial efficiency and usability.
04
Designed to remain operational during energy shortages with Powerwall integration.
05
Constructed as a floating structure to adapt to changing water levels.

Kichi is an innovative residential design located by a river that plays a crucial role in its energy strategy. The overall concept centers around sustainability and adaptability, allowing the building to effectively interact with its natural surroundings. With a floating structure, Kichi meets the practical needs of modern living while harmonizing with the landscape.

Energy Strategy

At the heart of Kichi's design is a water wheel that utilizes the river's flow to produce power for the entire house. The water wheel ensures a steady energy supply and feeds into a transformer, contributing to the building's self-sufficiency. With the addition of Powerwall technology, the energy savings are maximized, allowing the home to remain functional even during long periods without external power.

Material Use

The building's framework is constructed using plywood, which is covered with corrugated sheet. This material choice emphasizes durability while following a philosophy of resource efficiency. The lightweight materials reduce environmental impact and enhance the project’s overall sustainability.

Spatial Efficiency

Kichi features custom-built furniture designed specifically for the living space, promoting an efficient use of area while enhancing everyday functionality. The design respects the geometric constraints of the ceiling, resulting in a thoughtfully arranged layout that encourages comfort and usability. This careful consideration of space allows for a welcoming environment without clutter.

The rhythmic motion of the water wheel against the backdrop of the flowing river enhances the connection between the structure and its surroundings. It provides an engaging focal point, highlighting the relationship between architecture and nature in daily life.

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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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