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Foldable Home Featuring Rainwater Harvesting and Multifunctional Spaces

Authors:
Songrui Zhang, Yuanqing Gu
Foldable Home Featuring Rainwater Harvesting and Multifunctional Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing a foldable design with integrated rainwater harvesting and multifunctional interiors, the mobile home offers a compact and adaptable living solution for families on the move.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable design allows for significant space reduction during transport.
02
Integrated solar panels charge the battery system for energy efficiency.
03
Modular components enable easy customization for varying family needs.
04
Rainwater collection system supports sustainable water usage.
05
Multifunctional furniture maximizes limited interior space.

The mobile folding home design introduces a fresh solution for flexible living. It is aimed at families who desire a compact, transportable home that does not compromise on comfort or functionality. The project embodies a modern approach, allowing residents to enjoy mobility while having access to essential amenities. The design focuses on modularity, creating a living space that can adapt to various needs and lifestyles.

Core Module

At the heart of this design is Module A, which serves as the main component of the home. It houses important features such as rechargeable batteries, rainwater collection, filtered and unfiltered water tanks, and wastewater treatment systems. This module also includes a toilet and storage space for foldable furniture. Such an arrangement ensures that residents have everything they need for daily living within a compact footprint.

Portable Connectivity

Modules B and C take the form of portable cubes that make transportation straightforward. Families can easily move these modules using standard vehicles like cars or pick-up trucks. The ability to change configurations allows for customizable living arrangements, whether catering to a couple or a larger group. This aspect of mobility is essential, particularly for those who wish to change their environment while maintaining comfort.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Energy efficiency is a central feature of the mobile folding home. Solar panels installed on the roofs of Modules B and C provide power to charge the batteries in Module A, minimizing reliance on external energy. Inside, electric heating and cooling systems ensure that the living space remains comfortable throughout the year. This focus on energy use and sustainability reflects a broader trend towards environmentally conscious living.

Multifunctional Interior

The interior design incorporates multifunctional furniture to enhance the utility of available space. Modules D and E serve multiple purposes, with Module D functioning as a stool or coffee table while Module E can be used as a bed or table. This adaptable approach to furnishings makes the most of limited space, ensuring that every element has a role in daily life.

The design demonstrates a thoughtful balance of modular components, energy efficiency, and flexible use of space. Each element contributes to a dwelling that can adjust to the needs of its occupants. A significant detail is the clever folding mechanism that allows the floor to stand vertically when not in use, reducing the home’s footprint and enhancing convenience during transport.

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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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