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Natural Stone Walls Embrace Green Roofs for Sustainable Living

Author:
Samia Shahzad
Natural Stone Walls Embrace Green Roofs for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Natural stone walls and a green roof provide an efficient climate solution while integrating a grey water recycling system for sustainable living in this contemporary residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone walls enhance thermal regulation throughout the home.
02
Angled windows minimize direct sunlight and optimize daylighting.
03
A green roof supports local vegetation and promotes biodiversity.
04
Grey water recycling system irrigates the roof garden efficiently.
05
Solar panels are discreetly placed to maximize energy efficiency.

MIRCO HOME is a residential design focused on integrating with the natural environment while promoting sustainability and comfort. Located in a landscape that encourages ecological balance, the home serves as a functional living space where the indoor and outdoor experiences connect. The concept centers on minimizing environmental impact and fostering a strong bond between the occupants and the surrounding nature.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The interior of MIRCO HOME is thoughtfully divided into private and common areas. This separation creates distinct zones within the home while still allowing for openness. The arrangement enhances movement and interaction among residents, making shared spaces more inviting. This careful planning focuses on creating a harmonious living environment, where each area fits together to serve the needs of its inhabitants.

Natural Light Management

Passive design principles are a key feature of the home. Angled windows have been used to limit direct sunlight, which helps control indoor temperatures and prevents overheating. By positioning these windows on the west and east sides, the design takes advantage of natural light while minimizing excess heat. This approach allows for a bright interior that remains comfortable throughout the day.

Sustainable Features

MIRCO HOME includes various sustainable features. A green roof supports plant growth and contributes to local biodiversity, adding a natural element to the home's design. Additionally, a water feature located at the front improves the air quality and provides cooling through evaporation. The home also incorporates a grey water collection system that recycles water from kitchen appliances for use in irrigation, highlighting a commitment to water conservation.

Material Selection

Natural stone is used for the walls of the home, providing both aesthetic value and effective temperature regulation. This choice enhances the visual appeal while also ensuring comfort. Solar panels placed on the rear facade support energy efficiency without disrupting the overall look of the property.

The design incorporates thoughtful details, such as the water feature, which enriches the home's environment. Its visual and auditory elements draw residents closer to nature, enhancing the calm atmosphere and overall experience within and around the house.

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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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