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Harnessing Atmospheric Water With Recycled Polyethylene and Bioconcrete in Sustainable Housing

Author:
Joaquin Andrés Diaz Munoz
Harnessing Atmospheric Water With Recycled Polyethylene and Bioconcrete in Sustainable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing a Fog Water Collection System, recycled polyethylene, and bioconcrete, the design creates a sustainable habitat that redefines resource management in arid environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a Fog Water Collection System to harvest moisture from the atmosphere.
02
Incorporates recycled polyethylene mesh to enhance water capture efficiency.
03
Features bioconcrete foundations that integrate soil stabilization with ecological benefits.
04
Employs modular construction for flexible and adaptive living spaces.
05
Designed for optimal orientation and roof inclination to maximize fog collection.

### Overview

**Project Title:** Habitat in the Mist
**Location and Context:** The project is located in a region facing significant challenges related to water scarcity, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative approaches to water management and sustainability within built environments. The design aims to provide a viable solution for sustainable living in arid climates, focusing on the integration of technology and environmental adaptability.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

Habitat in the Mist features a modular architectural configuration that elevates the structure to enhance fog collection efficiency. The roof's inclination is specifically designed to optimize this process, while cascading terraces and levels facilitate effective spatial circulation. The functional layout offers a clear distinction between communal and private areas, with living spaces and accessible gardens located on the ground floor and private quarters on the second level. This arrangement not only enhances social interaction but also fosters a connection to nature through large openings that integrate indoor and outdoor environments.

### Materiality and Innovative Systems

The project employs a range of advanced materials aimed at promoting sustainability and structural integrity. Key elements include recycled polyethylene mesh for fog collection, laminated beams that support the structure while reducing environmental impact, and mineral wool insulation to improve energy efficiency. The water collection system is central to the design; it captures moisture from fog, directing it into storage tanks to lessen reliance on conventional water sources. Additional features such as photovoltaic systems for solar energy further contribute to the building's sustainability, ensuring it addresses both ecological challenges and energy needs efficiently.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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