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Rainwater Collection Roof With Recycled Concrete Bricks Enhancing Natural Light For Residential Living

Authors:
Xinzi Deng, Yao Wei
Rainwater Collection Roof With Recycled Concrete Bricks Enhancing Natural Light For Residential Living

Project in-detail

Designed with a rainwater collection roof and constructed from recycled concrete bricks, the residence fosters a deep connection to nature through optimized natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled concrete bricks, enhancing sustainability and texture.
02
Rainwater collection integrated into the roof design to promote water conservation.
03
Expansive glazing strategically placed to maximize natural light and views.
04
Circular layout fosters fluid movement and enhances communal living.
05
Biophilic elements incorporated to strengthen the connection between nature and interior spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in a context that emphasizes the relationship between human habitation and the natural environment, the design of Lightwell seeks to enhance the experience of living by maximizing the interaction with natural light. The architectural intent centers on integrating functional spaces with the rhythms of daylight, facilitating an environment that promotes well-being and connection to the outdoors. The project employs an innovative spatial arrangement to optimize light access throughout various times of the day.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The spatial organization of Lightwell comprises a ground floor and first floor designed to promote fluid movement and connectivity within the layout. The ground floor features a courtyard that serves as a transitional buffer between the interior and exterior, fostering a direct engagement with the surrounding landscape. This circular plan enhances movement while offering expansive views. On the first floor, the open-plan design facilitates informal interactions among inhabitants, maintaining a sense of privacy in living areas through strategic placement of spaces.

### Material Choices and Environmental Integration

Materiality is integral to the design’s aesthetic and functional objectives. Recycled concrete bricks reinforce the structure while offering warmth and texture within the interiors. Extensive use of glass, through skylights and large windows, maximizes natural light and establishes a strong visual connection with the exterior environment. Additionally, the incorporation of a water tank as part of a sustainable water management system reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilization.

The architectural features of Lightwell emphasize a conscious approach to sustainability and user experience, highlighting how light and materiality converge in a setting designed for contemporary living. Key elements include a dynamic roof structure that enhances functionality and aesthetic quality, and spaces thoughtfully designed for varying qualities of natural light, contributing to a harmonious living environment.

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

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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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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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