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Rainwater-Collecting Residence with Plywood and Recycled PVC Features

Authors:
Jakub Gasek, Kornelia Nejmańska
Rainwater-Collecting Residence with Plywood and Recycled PVC Features
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Incorporating an inclined roof for rainwater collection and utilizing Silvergrass for heating, this residence emphasizes sustainability while providing a comfortable home environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Silvergrass for heating and hot water, promoting renewable energy use.
02
Collects rainwater through an inclined roof, enhancing self-sufficiency.
03
Incorporates recycled PVC facade panels, reducing environmental impact.
04
Features a centralized heating layout for efficient thermal distribution.
05
Employs timber columns and plywood finishes to create a warm interior aesthetic.

The Silver Grass House project demonstrates a focused approach to sustainable design through renewable energy and efficient use of resources. Located in a temperate climate, the design centers on utilizing Silvergrass (Miscanthus giganteus) as an energy source. This biomass not only provides heating but also emphasizes a cycle of sustainable growth that is important in today’s ecological context.

Design Organization

The layout of the Silver Grass House is organized to maximize efficiency and functionality. The heating system is composed of a kitchen stove and hot-water boiler, both positioned near a fireplace. This strategic placement ensures effective heat distribution throughout the home. The design promotes an easy flow of movement within the space, making daily activities more convenient.

Water Management

The roof design plays a significant role in the overall functionality of the house. Its inclined shape allows for rainwater collection, which undergoes filtration before being stored in a central module. This method reflects a commitment to self-sufficiency, addressing common water management issues faced in residences. It showcases how practical design can support environmental responsibility.

Material Choices

Materials selected for the Silver Grass House support its sustainable vision while providing comfort. Inside, plywood sheets and pine floorboards create a welcoming and modern atmosphere. The walls are made of timber columns and recycled PVC facade panels, reducing the project’s ecological footprint. Polystyrene insulation is incorporated for energy efficiency, while OSB boards and timber rafters provide structural integrity.

The fireplace serves as both a source of heat and a gathering point for the living area, encouraging family interactions and creating a cozy atmosphere that enhances the sense of home.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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