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Graywater Management and Terracotta Roofs in a Sustainable Residential Retreat

Author:
Isaac Stearns
Graywater Management and Terracotta Roofs in a Sustainable Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Employing terracotta roofing and a graywater management system, the design creates a sustainable living environment centered around wellness, with dedicated spaces for meditation and treatment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dedicated meditation area enhances mental well-being.
02
Graywater retention system promotes water conservation.
03
Solar panels provide renewable energy for the residence.
04
Terracotta roof contributes to low maintenance needs.
05
Operable windows support natural ventilation and cooling.

The design combines residential living with a focus on wellness and sustainability. Set in a peaceful location, the layout includes distinct areas that cater to relaxation and personal living. Each space is thoughtfully designed to create a balance, allowing for both privacy and community interaction within the home.

Living Spaces
At the center of the design are specific areas dedicated to daily activities, including a massage and treatment room. This room is carefully located away from social spaces to provide a calming environment ideal for relaxation. Alongside it, a meditation area supports mindfulness, serving as a retreat for personal reflection.

Private Quarters
Two bedrooms are integral to the layout, emphasizing comfort and privacy. They are strategically positioned to limit noise and promote light, creating an optimal sleeping space. This thoughtful arrangement highlights a commitment to enhancing the residential experience while ensuring occupants have personal retreats.

Sustainability Features
Sustainability is a key consideration, marked by the inclusion of solar panels that provide renewable energy. This aspect reduces environmental impact, working in conjunction with a graywater retention system that manages rainwater run-off. Such features show a practical understanding of resource management that aligns with modern living.

Material Selection
The design includes a terracotta roof that offers both durability and visual appeal, while ship-lap siding enhances the exterior with a classic touch. These choices not only fulfill practical needs but also create a cohesive and inviting appearance that blends well with the natural surroundings.

Operable windows are integrated into the design, allowing for natural airflow throughout the building. This promotes indoor air quality and thermal comfort, reflecting an approach to passive cooling that supports the well-being of residents.

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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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