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Natural Stone Residence with Integrated Greywater System

Author:
Samia Shahzad
Natural Stone Residence with Integrated Greywater System

Project in-detail

A natural stone structure integrates a greywater system and cooling water feature, creating a functional home that emphasizes sustainability and connection to the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone walls enhance thermal efficiency while blending with the environment.
02
Strategic window placement reduces glare and maximizes daylight access.
03
A cooling water feature contributes to improved microclimate around the home.
04
The green roof utilizes greywater from household sources for sustainable vegetation.
05
The layout effectively separates private and communal spaces for enhanced privacy.

The Mirco Home is a modern design that connects with its natural surroundings, offering a comfortable living space. Situated in a peaceful environment, it functions as a residence that prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of its occupants. The design aims to integrate the building with its landscape, creating a balanced relationship between the structure and nature.

Material Selection

Natural stone is chosen for the walls, significantly impacting the home's energy efficiency. This material helps keep the interior cool while also enhancing the visual appeal of the building. The use of natural materials aligns with the goal of blending the home into its surroundings, reflecting an awareness of environmental impact.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the home distinguishes between private and shared spaces. This careful separation creates a sense of openness while also providing necessary privacy for residents. Each area flows into the next, making the living space functional and inviting. The orientation of the house maximizes sunlight, ensuring warmth and brightness throughout the day.

Window Design

Window placement is a key aspect of the design, with openings located primarily on the west and east sides. This positioning minimizes glare and makes the most of natural light. Angled windows further reduce heat from direct sunlight, promoting a comfortable indoor environment. This approach enhances the overall functionality of the home while improving energy use.

Sustainable Features

Water management is thoughtfully incorporated into the design, exemplified by the water feature at the house's front. This element not only adds to the visual interest but also helps cool the air around the home. The installation of a green roof utilizes grey water from kitchen and bathroom sources, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices and efficient resource management.

The Mirco Home culminates in a well-thought-out design, marked by features such as the water element that cools the surrounding air while enhancing the connection to the environment.

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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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