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Rainwater Collection Systems with Water-Absorbent Membranes and Integrated Bird Habitats in a Tropical Ecosystem

Authors:
天泽 郝, 梦婧 张, 星月 方, 圣权 刘
Rainwater Collection Systems with Water-Absorbent Membranes and Integrated Bird Habitats in a Tropical Ecosystem
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Integrating bird habitats and a four-level rainwater collection system with water-absorbent membranes, the design enhances agricultural sustainability while supporting the ecological health of the Amazon rainforest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a four-level water management system for efficient rainwater utilization.
02
Incorporates bird nests within the structure to support local biodiversity.
03
Utilizes water-absorbent membranes designed to enhance ecosystem sustainability.
04
Features terraced planting areas to reduce soil erosion and improve productivity.
05
Combines residential spaces with agricultural functions in a vertically layered design.

The Rainforest Ecosystem Rehabilitation project is located in Anaprus, Maranion, Brazil. It addresses the urgent problem of tropical rainforest degradation and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. The design aims to create a balance between farming and the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. It is centered on principles of sustainability and efficiency.

Architectural Organization

The structure is designed with three distinct levels. The lower level focuses on residential and agricultural spaces. The middle level includes laboratories for research and areas for observing birds. The upper level is dedicated to systems for collecting rainwater. By organizing the building vertically, it optimizes land use in the rainforest environment while accommodating diverse functions.

Water Management Systems

A notable feature of the design is its four-level water supply system. This system uses water-absorbent membranes and pipes to collect and filter rainwater. The water is made available for people, plants, and local wildlife. Managing water effectively is crucial for the community and for supporting the rainforest’s health. This sustainable approach helps address the challenges that farmers face in the area.

Biodiversity and Community Engagement

The project incorporates bird nests into its design to support local wildlife. These nests provide habitats and allow for study and observation of birds in their natural environment. The adjacent laboratories create opportunities for research and ecological education. Public spaces, including an Activity Room and an Atrium, encourage community gatherings and help educate visitors about the rainforest and its significance.

Terraced Agricultural Design

Terraced planting areas are also included, representing a commitment to sustainable farming practices. These terraces use techniques that maximize sunlight and efficiently use rainwater for irrigation. This method reduces soil erosion and improves soil productivity, contributing to the overall recovery of the rainforest ecosystem.

Rainwater is strategically collected at the top level of the building and directed through the structure, highlighting the relationship between the water management system and agricultural productivity. The design fosters an ongoing interaction between human activities and the surrounding natural environment.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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