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Rainwater-Collecting Micro Home with Flexible Space Management and Timber Insulation

Authors:
Ligia Nogueira de azevedo tapia, Johanna Boëthius engström
Rainwater-Collecting Micro Home with Flexible Space Management and Timber Insulation

Project in-detail

A flat-pack home that utilizes rainwater collection and timber insulation offers flexible space management for efficient urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for quick assembly and disassembly.
02
Self-sufficient with an integrated rainwater collection system.
03
Multi-functional areas maximize limited living space.
04
Timber insulation options enhance energy efficiency.
05
Solar-powered winch system for ceiling bed storage.

The flat-pack home offers an efficient response to modern housing needs with its compact and portable design. Aimed at addressing challenges of 21st-century living, the structure consists of three segments that fit together to allow easy transport and quick assembly. The design promotes functionality, sustainability, and a minimalist style, making it suitable for those looking for practical urban living solutions.

Layout and Functionality

The layout divides the home into specific segments that serve different purposes. The entrance functions as both a storage area and a guest room. A sofa doubles as a sleeping space, effectively utilizing the limited area and enhancing the design’s overall efficiency.

Integration of Kitchen and Bathroom

The central segment combines essential kitchen and bathroom facilities in a compact form. It supports various bathroom options, including compost, combustible, or water closet systems, depending on land use requirements. Importantly, the roof collects rainwater and channels it to the bathroom sink for use in the toilet, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability.

Spatial Efficiency

The kitchen features important practical elements like shutter doors that can hide clutter and a foldable table to create additional workspace when necessary. The gas stove is simple and functional, consistent with the minimalist approach of the home. This design maximizes the limited space, ensuring each area serves its function well and remains accessible.

Innovative Space Management

The upper segment of the flat-pack home contains the bedroom and workspace, utilizing a winch powered by a solar electric motor to raise the bed to the ceiling when it is not in use. This feature demonstrates effective space management, allowing for a flexible living environment that adapts to various needs without sacrificing comfort.

The structural framework is built with timber, and insulation choices include cellulose, hemp, or flax, all contributing to the home's energy efficiency. Specific areas are finished with wall and roof tiles, enhancing the durability of the structure. The flooring has been thoughtfully chosen to provide a practical base while complementing the overall 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

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