Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Rainwater Collecting Roof With Crassulaceae Enhances Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Xiaomin Deng
Rainwater Collecting Roof With Crassulaceae Enhances Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

The integration of a tilted roof adorned with Crassulaceae plants for rainwater collection distinguishes this elevated modular housing solution, which effectively addresses urban living needs while promoting sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platform reduces site impact while enhancing views.
02
Tilted roof integrates vegetation for rainwater collection.
03
Solar panels support energy efficiency and sustainability.
04
Modular design allows for flexible living arrangements.
05
Interior layout promotes social interaction with privacy considerations.

"ONE" is an innovative response to the increasing need for sustainable housing in urban areas. Located in a modern setting, the design seeks to balance functionality with environmental considerations. It draws on the concept of unity, reflecting cultural influences, particularly from Chinese perspectives on community and space, to create an engaging living environment.

Design Characteristics

The project features an elevated platform that reduces the impact on the site during construction. This approach allows the building to connect more closely with its natural surroundings. The choice of elevation helps maintain the ecological integrity of the area while offering residents a unique perspective of the environment.

Sustainability Features

One of the key elements of the design is the tilted roof, which is home to Crassulaceae plants that aid in rainwater collection. This feature enhances the building’s environmental performance and contributes to the local ecosystem. Additionally, solar panels are integrated into the roof, providing renewable energy and supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout promotes interaction among residents. The design connects the living room, kitchen, and terrace, encouraging communal activities. In contrast, bedrooms and bathrooms are positioned to ensure privacy. This thoughtful arrangement allows for both social engagement and personal space, creating a balanced living experience.

Details of Integration

With a total area of 68 square meters, the design makes efficient use of space, accommodating essential functions while maintaining comfort. The use of recyclable materials throughout the project reflects a commitment to sustainability. These aspects together result in a design that prioritizes practical living and environmental responsibility, highlighted by its distinctive features that facilitate both functionality and beauty.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy