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Rainwater Harvesting and Termowood Elements in a Compact Residential Unit

Authors:
SevgÜl ÇİÇek ŞİmŞek, Eylem BodakÇİ
Rainwater Harvesting and Termowood Elements in a Compact Residential Unit

Project in-detail

Incorporating a rainwater harvesting system and crafted with Termowood, this compact residential unit optimizes efficiency and sustainability within a minimal footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using Termowood for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a unique openable eave system for climate adaptability.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
04
Utilizes acoustic ceiling tiles for improved indoor sound quality.
05
Includes multi-functional furniture to maximize space utility.

### Project Overview
CoCooN Home is a compact dwelling located in an urban context, spanning 25 square meters, designed to address the contemporary challenges of housing and environmental sustainability. The objective is to create an efficient living space for two occupants, emphasizing minimalism and ecological balance. Through its structure, the design reflects the possibilities of small housing solutions in response to climate change and urbanization.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of CoCooN Home emphasizes versatility and functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The integrated bath-kitchen area is designed for efficient use of space, combining essential amenities within a compact footprint. The sleeping area prioritizes privacy and comfort, incorporating innovative storage solutions such as a hidden bed closet. Additionally, the eating and working zones are dynamically configured to support both leisure and productivity, accommodating modern remote working needs. Acoustic panels enhance the living environment by mitigating noise pollution, thereby improving overall comfort.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials selected for CoCooN Home prioritize both functionality and sustainability. The use of Termowood for wall panels provides thermal efficiency and durability, while wood veneer applied to interiors enhances aesthetic appeal. The project also incorporates sustainable systems, such as a rainwater collection system for irrigation and utility needs, and solar panels that support off-grid energy generation. A vermifilter system addresses wastewater management, promoting environmental responsibility. Multi-functional furnishings, including foldable tables and convertible seating, reflect a commitment to maximizing utility in a compact space without compromising comfort.

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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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