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Rainwater Harvesting and Metal Sheets in a Communal Sanitation Hub

Authors:
João Moraes, Dario Uriah
Rainwater Harvesting and Metal Sheets in a Communal Sanitation Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating a rainwater harvesting system and constructed with wood and metal sheets, the facility supports sanitation needs for nearly one thousand users in the challenging environment of Everest's base camp.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a central courtyard that provides shelter from harsh winds.
02
Rainwater is captured through hidden gutters integrated into the roof design.
03
The facility is organized over two floors for optimal space utilization and accessibility.
04
Replaceable units are used for the management of flush residues.
05
Natural light is enhanced by a double-height entrance featuring a skylight.

The design at Everest's base camp aims to combine functionality and adaptability in a challenging high-altitude setting. The enduring goal is to provide a reliable space for nearly one thousand people, including climbers, sherpas, and support personnel. The approach focuses on efficient use of space while responding to the unique conditions of the environment, particularly its uneven rock formations. Central to the concept is modularity, which allows for flexible arrangements of different units that foster community interaction and access to essential services.

Modularity of Design

The design features a single module that can be organized into various clusters based on the natural topography. This arrangement helps create communal areas, including a central courtyard that offers shelter from harsh winds. By providing protected spaces, the layout not only enhances comfort but also encourages social gatherings among users, which is vital in creating a sense of community in a remote location.

Water Management System

The water management aspect operates on an effective rainwater collection system. Rainwater is captured using hidden gutters along the roof, directing it into storage reservoirs. The first reservoir is set aside for handwashing at bathroom units, ensuring hygiene for users. The second reservoir serves the flush systems, while a third reservoir collects flush residues in multiple replaceable units. This systematic approach highlights the importance of sustainable practices, especially in a setting where resources must be managed carefully.

Spatial Organization

The layout is structured across two floors, which helps facilitate movement and accessibility. On the first level, there are two bathrooms, the water collection system, and a waiting hall. The second floor contains three additional bathroom units. This organization optimizes the available space and allows occupants to easily navigate between important areas, ensuring that facilities are readily accessible.

Design Elements

A significant feature of the design is the double-height entrance with a skylight that allows natural light to fill the interior. This feature offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, connecting the occupants with their environment. The design balances function and a respect for the landscape, creating an interior space that is bright and inviting while reinforcing the connection to the natural world beyond.

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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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