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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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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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