Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Phytopurification Pond and Savonius Turbines in a Compact Sustainable Dwelling

Author:
Thibault Terrier
Phytopurification Pond and Savonius Turbines in a Compact Sustainable Dwelling

Project in-detail

Utilizing a phytopurification pond and Savonius wind turbines, this compact dwelling achieves energy independence and sustainable water management, providing a modern solution for efficient living in a temperate climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Phytopurification pond for recycling wastewater.
02
Savonius wind turbines provide renewable energy.
03
Excellent insulation enhances thermal performance.
04
Designed for energy independence in temperate climates.
05
Compact layout including multifunctional living spaces.

The TEGO MicroHome is designed for temperate climates with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. This micro dwelling operates independently, using passive house principles to ensure thermal comfort while reducing environmental impact. Its innovative design combines thoughtful material use and systems that enable it to function autonomously, providing all necessary living spaces in a compact form.

Passive Heating and Cooling

The micro-home features excellent insulation in its walls, floor, and roof. This insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by minimizing heat loss. Large south-facing windows allow sunlight to warm the interior, reducing the need for additional heating. By maximizing natural light, the design supports energy conservation and promotes a pleasant living environment.

Ventilation and Water Management

Effective ventilation is achieved through well-placed openings and a Canadian well that helps regulate indoor air temperature. This system keeps the air fresh and comfortable throughout the year. Alongside this, the design includes a phytopurification pond. This pond naturally filters both visible and invisible contaminants and recycles water for everyday use, addressing waste management and supporting environmental health.

Energy Generation

Savonius wind turbines are integrated into the design, providing a renewable source of electricity. These turbines generate power even in low wind conditions, ensuring that the home remains energy independent. This focus on renewable energy sources is crucial to the overall commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how the home can operate off-grid.

Functional Layout

The layout of the micro-home carefully balances space and functionality. It includes well-defined areas for a kitchen, bathroom, storage, a private bedroom, dressing areas, and a flexible dining or office space. This organized approach allows for efficient use of the compact footprint, ensuring that essential living needs are met without unnecessary clutter.

The exterior features a wood frame sourced from sustainably managed forests. This choice of material reflects a commitment to responsible practices and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the home. The design highlights a careful blend of natural elements and practical systems that together create a functional and environmentally-friendly living space.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy