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Hempcrete Micro Home with Integrated Water Management Solutions

Authors:
Longji Cao, Teresa Tseng
Hempcrete Micro Home with Integrated Water Management Solutions
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Constructed with hempcrete and equipped with a reverse osmosis filtration system, this micro home addresses California's housing challenges while promoting resource management and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with hempcrete for enhanced fire resistance and insulation.
02
Includes metal shutters for improved safety against wildfires.
03
Features a reverse osmosis filtration system for seawater utilization.
04
Design allows for multifunctional spaces with adaptable living arrangements.
05
Integrates rainwater collection through a sloped roof design.

The micro home is designed to meet the challenges of California's dry and hot climate. It addresses housing shortages while focusing on sustainable living in an urban environment. Adaptability is crucial in this design, allowing for flexible use of space, which enhances functionality and strengthens the connection to the surrounding nature.

Materials and Fire Resistance

Fire resistance and sustainability play a significant role in the choice of materials used. Metal shutters are included to protect the home from fire risks and ensure the safety of its occupants. The exterior is constructed with hempcrete, a material known for its insulating properties and ability to withstand fire. Hempcrete is also a renewable resource that helps reduce carbon emissions, fitting well with the aim of environmentally friendly design.

Flexible Living Spaces

The layout of the micro home promotes flexibility. The living area serves multiple purposes, creating a versatile space for daily activities. A platform bed can be easily adjusted to accommodate guests, making the most of the compact living area. This thoughtful design reflects the need for spaces that can adapt to the diverse needs and lifestyles of its residents.

Integration with Environment

Outdoor spaces are carefully integrated into the design, with patios that encourage a connection between the inside and outside. This arrangement allows residents to enjoy outdoor living while maintaining their privacy. By prioritizing access to nature, the home caters to those who appreciate an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Resource Management

In response to water scarcity, the home incorporates a reverse osmosis filtration system for seawater use, particularly in coastal regions. This design feature enhances self-sufficiency and addresses challenges posed by drought conditions. Additional elements include operable skylights to provide ventilation and a sloped roof for rainwater collection, reinforcing the commitment to responsible resource management.

Natural light streams through strategically placed windows, illuminating living spaces while promoting energy efficiency. The attention to detail in the design supports a functional yet inviting atmosphere, with each element deliberately selected to enhance the overall living experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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