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Rainwater Harvesting and Waterless Toilets in a Community-Focused Space

Author:
Jean-pierre Berube
Rainwater Harvesting and Waterless Toilets in a Community-Focused Space
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Incorporating hand-screwed piles and a waterless toilet system, the design prioritizes sustainability while offering a communal space that supports an active lifestyle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a triangular blind wall for local street art to enhance community identity.
02
Utilizes hand-screwed piles for a stable foundation adaptable to site conditions.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water management.
04
Includes designated bike storage with a repair station to promote cycling.
05
Offers a communal area designed for social interaction centered around food preparation.

The architectural design project presents a carefully planned space that focuses on community interaction and individual comfort. Situated in a vibrant area, the design combines essential amenities with social spaces to support sustainable living. The main idea is to foster a sense of belonging while providing functional areas that serve daily needs.

Common Areas and Amenities

A central common area for food preparation and shared dining acts as a gathering place for residents. This space encourages social connections and interaction. Surrounding elements include fireplaces that offer warmth and an inviting ambiance. Nearby, showers and toilets are conveniently located to ensure easy access, demonstrating a commitment to user-friendly design.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainability is a strong focus, with facilities designed for cyclists. Bike racks and a covered bike repair station support cycling as a main mode of transportation. This initiative promotes healthier lifestyles while encouraging less reliance on cars. The thoughtful integration of these features reflects an understanding of today’s environmental challenges.

Structural Integrity and Unique Features

Hand-screwed piles provide a stable foundation, allowing flexibility in adapting to the site conditions. The design employs a homothetic transformation of structural members, which enhances stability and efficiency. Additionally, a triangular blind wall invites local street artists, creating a canvas that enriches the building’s identity and fosters community spirit.

Water Management and Environmental Considerations

The project also prioritizes resource conservation through waterless composting toilets and a rainwater harvesting system. A rainwater tank supplies water to showers and wash basins, demonstrating an effective approach to sustainable water use. These practices address pressing environmental issues faced in urban environments.

The large single pitch roof is designed to accommodate solar panels, reinforcing a commitment to renewable energy solutions. This practical aspect of the design aligns with broader goals for environmental sustainability, connecting daily living with responsible energy use.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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