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Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront

Author:
Christopher John Stevens
Geothermal Home Featuring Recycled Concrete and Living Walls Along the Waterfront

Project in-detail

Incorporating living walls and geothermal systems, this residence utilizes recycled concrete and treated wood to create a sustainable living space that enhances community connection along the waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates hydroponic systems for resident food production.
02
Utilizes recycled concrete for both structural and aesthetic purposes.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic panels designed to float on adjacent water.
04
Features large triple-glazed windows for enhanced thermal performance.
05
Offers direct access to public waterfront park, promoting community interaction.

### Overview

Located along the southern shoreline of Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, Canada, the Seawall House addresses the challenges of urbanization by integrating private and public spaces while responding to local environmental concerns and housing affordability. Its positioning near public parks and waterfront areas emphasizes a connection to the community, promoting access to green spaces in a city where such amenities are often limited.

### Design and Sustainability

The architectural concept prioritizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative energy solutions. Key features include a geothermal ground-source heat pump system for efficient heating and cooling, floating photovoltaic panels for energy generation, and advanced water management systems such as desalination and rainwater harvesting. The design incorporates living walls and modular elements, enhancing resilience and encouraging biodiversity through interactive green spaces.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

Internally, the Seawall House is organized to accommodate flexibility, featuring a Fly & Lift system that allows for variable spatial configurations to suit different activities. Smart home technologies provide intuitive control for environmental conditions, enhancing comfort and accessibility. Strategic placement of triple-glazed windows and balconies maximizes natural light and views, fostering a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

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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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