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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
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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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