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Fog-Capturing Home With Recycled PVC Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Alvaro Rojas vio, Constanza Grenett
Fog-Capturing Home With Recycled PVC Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing a specialized fog-catching system and recycled PVC cladding, this home in Casablanca efficiently addresses water scarcity while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fog-catching system captures atmospheric moisture for water supply.
02
Recycled PVC cladding enhances durability and reduces environmental impact.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and thermal efficiency.
04
Modular design optimizes space while allowing for flexible living arrangements.
05
Passive heating and ventilation strategies improve energy performance throughout the year.

### Overview
Kamanchaca House is situated in Casablanca, Chile, where it addresses contemporary challenges such as climate change and water scarcity through innovative architectural design. The project emphasizes the utilization of local climatic conditions, specifically harnessing the Kamancha fog to capture atmospheric moisture and enhance the livability of the residence. Designed to be functional and cost-effective, the house seamlessly integrates thoughtful spatial organization with environmental consciousness.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The internal layout of Kamanchaca House is oriented toward functionality, creating an intuitive flow between private and communal areas. The design utilizes an elongated hexagonal polyhedron form to optimize spatial interactions, promoting a cohesive living experience. The arrangement of the living spaces includes a well-equipped kitchenette, a multi-purpose living area, and a comfortable bedroom that engages with natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.

### Environmental Systems and Material Utilization
Key to Kamanchaca House is the incorporation of multiple environmental systems. The fog-catching mechanism captures approximately 4.3 liters of water per square meter per day, crucial for mitigating water scarcity in the region. Additionally, the structure employs passive design strategies, maximizing cross-ventilation through strategically placed windows to maintain energy efficiency. Material choices include recycled polyvinyl chloride for durability in roofing and facades, wood for warmth and aesthetics, and metal for structural resilience, ensuring compatibility with local climatic conditions. Solar photovoltaic systems and rainwater harvesting augment the sustainability measures, while integrated composting systems support waste recycling efforts, establishing a comprehensive approach to environmentally responsive living.

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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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