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Rainwater Collecting Walls and Solar Integration in Modular Housing Design

Authors:
Karam Kim, Woongyeun Park
Rainwater Collecting Walls and Solar Integration in Modular Housing Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating rainwater-collecting walls and solar panels, this modular housing solution provides an adaptable living environment designed to meet the diverse needs of urban residents in New York City.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater collection system integrated into wall panels for efficient water usage.
02
Solar panel installation to minimize energy consumption in residential units.
03
Modular design allows for varied unit types to accommodate diverse household sizes.
04
Rectangular tubes connect units, enhancing structural stability and spatial cohesion.
05
Thoughtful window placement maximizes natural light and improves interior comfort.

The design at 59 West 128th Street provides affordable housing in New York City. It is located in a busy area, addressing the pressing need for residential options that are both functional and supportive of community life. The overall concept emphasizes modularity and flexibility, allowing for a range of living arrangements that cater to diverse family structures.

Structural Composition

Two types of residential units fit together at the corners and center of the building. Rectangular tubes are used as connections between these units, creating a cohesive structure while maximizing interior space. This layout enhances the overall look of the building while accommodating individual unit designs.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important aspect of this design. Wall panels have been incorporated to collect rainwater, which helps to conserve water. Solar panels will also be included, aiming to reduce the building's energy use. These elements reflect thoughtful planning that takes environmental impact into consideration, which is essential for urban living today.

Community-Oriented Design

The layout supports various household sizes, recognizing that families come in different forms. Unit types include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options, which ensures that different living arrangements can be appropriately met. This design approach allows for adaptability, enabling units to evolve according to the needs of residents. This balance supports a sense of community and stability over time.

Natural Light and Spatial Quality

Careful attention has been given to windows and floor details, allowing natural light to flow into living spaces. This creates a bright atmosphere that enhances comfort for residents. The design also considers the balance between private areas and communal spaces, encouraging interactions among neighbors. The thoughtful planning of shared areas helps to foster connections and build a sense of belonging among residents.

The project culminates in a design that balances practicality and environmental responsibility while enriching community life through carefully designed spaces that promote social engagement.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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