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Flowgen Turbines and Retractable Terraces in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Oscar Morgan
Flowgen Turbines and Retractable Terraces in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

With integrated Flowgen turbines and a retractable catamaran terrace, the design maximizes energy efficiency and usable outdoor space in a compact urban living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates automated control for energy capture through a dedicated app.
02
Features a retractable catamaran terrace that adapts to user needs.
03
Includes separate tanks for fresh water, grey water, and sewage management.
04
Utilizes ultra-quiet Flowgen turbines for discreet energy generation.
05
Maximizes natural light with expansive glass walls designed for efficiency.

The project offers a contemporary response to urban living challenges, located in an area marked by high rental prices and limited space. It was designed with the needs of modern residents in mind, focusing on creating a living environment that is efficient and sustainable. The overall concept emphasizes the importance of maximizing space while maintaining functionality within an urban context.

Energy Capture Solutions

Innovative energy capture strategies play a central role in the design. Solar panels are arranged in a Venetian blind style on large glass walls, allowing for flexible control through a dedicated app. This configuration not only optimizes energy production but also provides an interactive experience for the residents, who can adjust the settings to enhance their living space.



Water Management Systems

Water management is another key element of the design. The building features three distinct tanks for fresh water, grey water, and sewage. The fresh water system draws from both the main supply and roof capture, ensuring a reliable source while promoting resource conservation. This systematic approach aligns with principles of sustainability, which are increasingly essential in urban settings.



Flexible Outdoor Spaces

The design includes a retractable catamaran terrace, illustrating a practical way to enhance the living area. This feature allows residents to utilize outdoor space according to their needs, whether for relaxation or socializing. Such adaptability is particularly valuable in urban environments where private outdoor areas may be limited.



Thoughtful attention is given to integrating technology into daily living. Energy and water systems are seamlessly woven into the structure to maintain a cohesive aesthetic. The approach aims to ensure that sustainability and user convenience are central to the experience, reflecting a modern understanding of urban 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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