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Pressed Straw Insulation and Rainwater Harvesting in a Compact Residential System

Authors:
Paolo Stefanoni, Alfredo Scardina, Katia Vitello
Pressed Straw Insulation and Rainwater Harvesting in a Compact Residential System

Project in-detail

Utilizing pressed straw for insulation and a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system, the design prioritizes sustainability within a compact residential layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes dry composting toilets to minimize water usage.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and washing.
03
Features pressed straw insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
04
Designed with a large south-facing glass wall for passive solar gain.
05
Includes modular elements allowing for future adaptability within the space.

The design project titled "Dejamais vu" offers a thoughtful exploration of sustainable living. It addresses environmental and social concerns through a contemporary framework. Set in a context that prioritizes efficient use of space, the project blends residential functionality with an emphasis on flexibility. It incorporates established techniques and systems that are not yet widely utilized, resulting in a living space that balances communal interaction with individual privacy.

Water Management

A significant aspect of the design is its innovative approach to water management. Water is employed for essential functions like sanitation and washing, with a specific focus on a dry composting toilet system. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored for later use in irrigation and other practical applications. This approach highlights two operational scenarios: the standard version connects to the urban water network, while the independent option uses a well water supply, supplemented by methods for generating water in areas with low rainfall.

Energy Efficiency

The project emphasizes energy efficiency throughout its design. Solar energy is harvested through hybrid solar panels, optimizing overall energy usage. The building minimizes consumption by using LED lighting and carefully selected energy-efficient appliances. In the standard version, access to the public electricity grid allows for potential net metering, which benefits the user. The independent variant, on the other hand, makes use of a hydrogen storage system to ensure that it can operate without external energy sources.

Structural Design

The structural makeup of the building incorporates a wooden platform frame set on a stone foundation, blending traditional elements with modern techniques. Designed with passive house principles in mind, the building features a large glass wall facing south to take advantage of natural light and heat. A technical room located to the north supports the loft bed slab and is designed according to Feng Shui principles. The exterior load-bearing walls are built to be 50 cm thick, using pressed straw for insulation, which enhances the building's energy efficiency.

Waste Management

An effective waste management system is also present in the design. Human waste is handled through a dry composting method, while organic waste, such as food scraps and garden refuse, is gathered in designated containers. These containers are placed at a distance from living areas to promote hygiene. There are additional waste receptacles located near the road to facilitate proper disposal, which supports the project’s overall environmental responsibility.

Overall, the thoughtful integration of various systems for resource management reflects a commitment to efficient living. The design creates a cohesive environment that balances modern convenience with ecological mindfulness, catering to the needs of its inhabitants while respecting the surrounding context.

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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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