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Rainwater-Capturing Ponds Surrounded by Natural Stone and Glass Residences in Sustainable Community Design

Author:
Isabel Urbez martinez
Rainwater-Capturing Ponds Surrounded by Natural Stone and Glass Residences in Sustainable Community Design

Project in-detail

Integrating rainwater-capturing ponds with locally sourced stone and expansive glass, the design creates a sustainable community of residential units that harmonize with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates rainwater management through strategically designed ponds.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone to ensure environmental compatibility.
03
Features panoramic glass facades for optimal natural light.
04
Arranges apartment units along sloping terrain to enhance views.
05
Emphasizes natural materials to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Augua project, located in Aragon, Spain, presents a modern architectural design focused on harmonizing with its natural environment. Named after the historical term for water, Augua integrates sustainable practices with contemporary living, addressing the needs of residents while supporting ecological systems. The design incorporates a series of apartment units arranged along a sloping terrain, optimizing views and natural light while enhancing the landscape's inherent features.

Environmental Integration and Sustainable Design

One of the key aspects of the Augua project is its commitment to sustainability. The architectural design utilizes locally sourced stone for structural elements to minimize environmental impact and blend the buildings seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Large glass facades characterize the apartments, allowing for increased daylight and a connection to the outdoors, reinforcing the project's identity as a component of its natural setting. The layout incorporates ponds that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, utilizing rainwater collected from the roofs to manage stormwater and provide for irrigation needs.

Communal and Private Spaces

The arrangement of the apartments in varying elevations creates a combination of communal and private areas. Centralized communal spaces encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Meanwhile, the strategic layout ensures that residents can enjoy privacy within their own units, with thoughtfully designed transitions between public and private realms.

Innovative Use of Materials

The careful selection of materials enhances the architectural expression of the project. Local stone forms the basis of the structural walls, providing thermal mass and durability. Wood is integrated into the interiors for ceilings and finishes, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Concrete walkways facilitate access throughout the landscape, providing functional pathways that harmonize with the natural environment.

The Augua project stands out for its focus on environmental stewardship and community engagement. The use of natural water management systems, the incorporation of local materials, and the design that facilitates both privacy and social interaction illustrate a strong response to contemporary housing demands in a rural setting. For more detailed information regarding architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which offers deeper insights into the architectural ideas that underpin this thoughtful design.

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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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