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Perovskite Energy and Wooden Structures in a Self-Sufficient Eco-Village

Authors:
Sebastian Kawalec, Dominika Bezulska, Adam Struski
Perovskite Energy and Wooden Structures in a Self-Sufficient Eco-Village

Project in-detail

Incorporating perovskite technology and wooden construction, the eco-village delivers a self-sufficient community focused on sustainable living and agricultural resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates perovskite solar cells for renewable energy generation.
02
Features a biogas plant for sustainable waste management.
03
Design includes an innovative water collection system for irrigation.
04
Utilizes recycled wooden materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Encourages community interaction with shared gardens and communal areas.

The eco-village design located in Canada represents a thoughtful approach to sustainable living by combining both residential and farming areas within a rural context. This project seeks to enhance self-sufficiency and environmental balance while creating a community focused on health and effective resource use.

Architectural Concept

The layout of the eco-village is carefully structured, placing agricultural zones at a higher level than the residential areas. This design choice allows easy access to food production facilities, supporting daily life and interactions among residents. Organic pathways connect these spaces, encouraging movement throughout the village and fostering a sense of community.

Diverse Housing Types

Various housing types are incorporated into the design to meet different needs and preferences. Options range from larger units for families to more compact residences that emphasize sustainability. Each housing style promotes a lower use of resources and encourages social interactions, ensuring the community remains unified and responsive to its residents.

Sustainable Materials and Resource Management

Materials used in the buildings reflect the project's commitment to eco-friendliness. The design primarily features wooden construction that makes use of recycled materials, which helps reduce its environmental footprint. Glass surfaces are fitted with perovskite cells, which generate clean energy for the community. Additionally, a biogas plant is included, making the village self-sufficient in terms of energy while minimizing ecological impact.

Water Collection and Agricultural Integration

Water management plays a significant role in the overall design. Farmlands are located at the lower part of the village, supported by a watertank that collects rainwater and run-off from local canals. This system is pivotal for irrigation, reinforcing the village's goal of self-sufficiency. Shared facilities, such as gardens and recreational spaces, are distributed throughout, nurturing social connections among residents and strengthening the community's spirit.

The thoughtful inclusion of rainwater collection systems allows for responsible irrigation practices that contribute positively to the ecological balance of the village. This approach highlights a practical commitment to sustainability while also serving the daily needs of residents.

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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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