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Rainwater-Collecting Home With Rotating Plywood Spaces

Authors:
Joshua Evans, Stephen Loanoto, Michael Yohanes, Timothy Yuonggo, Stephen Loanoto, Michael Yohanes, Timothy Yuonggo
Rainwater-Collecting Home With Rotating Plywood Spaces

Project in-detail

A rotating home utilizing a bearing gear system and incorporating rainwater filtration seamlessly transforms its compact plywood spaces throughout the day to efficiently serve various functional needs for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating gear system allows seamless transitions between multifunctional living areas.
02
Plywood panels are utilized throughout to reduce weight and enhance flexibility.
03
Rainwater collection features a dedicated filtration system for sustainable water use.
04
Modified airplane windows improve natural lighting while maintaining structural integrity.
05
The design draws inspiration from aeronautics, influencing both form and function.
The Micro Nano Rotating Home is a compact architectural design project that specializes in providing multifunctional living spaces within a reduced footprint. This project embodies a modern response to urban living challenges, focusing on adaptability and resource efficiency. Its innovative rotating mechanism allows the space to transform seamlessly from a workspace to a dining area, and then into a leisure space—all suitable for small households. This reconfigurable design caters to the dynamic lifestyle of urban dwellers, aligning with contemporary trends in architecture that prioritize space optimization.

Innovative Rotating Mechanism

A distinctive feature of the Micro Nano Rotating Home is its bearing gear system that enables the rotating elements to transition effortlessly between different functional configurations. This mechanism not only enhances the usability of the space but also exemplifies how mechanical systems can enhance architectural design. Each area of the home serves a specific purpose throughout the day—morning workspace, afternoon dining area, evening leisure space, and nighttime sleeping quarters—demonstrating a thoughtful consideration of how residents engage with their environment.

The design draws inspiration from aeronautics, specifically the structure of the Airbus A320. This influence is reflected in both the aesthetic and structural components of the home, incorporating lightweight materials such as plywood and a robust steel frame for stability. The incorporation of modified airplane windows not only serves to enhance natural light within the space but also maintains a connection to the airborne theme, further differentiating this project from conventional housing designs.

Sustainability and Efficiency

Sustainability is a critical aspect of the Micro Nano Rotating Home, as seen in its rainwater harvesting system. This system includes a water pump and filtration technology, allowing homeowners to utilize natural resources effectively and reduce reliance on traditional water supply systems. Such features position the project as a forward-thinking solution in addressing environmental concerns within urban contexts.

The selection of materials also supports this sustainability narrative. For example, plywood panels provide an eco-friendly, lightweight alternative for interior partitions, and the efficient structural elements reduce overall material usage without compromising integrity. This attention to materiality enhances not only the environmental footprint of the project but also its overall operational efficiency.

The Micro Nano Rotating Home represents a thoughtful exploration of architectural solutions that respond to the needs of modern urban inhabitants. Its innovative use of rotating spaces, inspired structure, and emphasis on sustainability make it a noteworthy example in the context of compact housing designs. Those interested in the particulars of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and ideas, are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation for comprehensive insights.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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