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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

Project in-detail

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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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
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