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Rainwater Harvesting Home with Cork and Popcorn Panel Integration

Author:
Genc Blakaj
Rainwater Harvesting Home with Cork and Popcorn Panel Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed around a central tree, this home incorporates cork and popcorn panels while utilizing rainwater harvesting to create a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built around a central tree to enhance natural integration.
02
Utilizes renewable energy through an array of solar panels.
03
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for efficient resource use.
04
Walls feature a combination of cork and organic popcorn panels for insulation.
05
Design emphasizes separate zones for work, sleep, and communal activities.

TRIO is a design that focuses on the fundamental elements of daily life: work, life, sleep, and food. The project aims to create a living space that supports these aspects in a balanced way. Located in a peaceful setting, the design allows for a strong connection between indoor areas and the natural environment. By combining these essential elements into one cohesive structure, TRIO offers a practical approach to modern living.

Structural Integrity

The building is supported by three load-bearing pillars, providing stability and strength. This framework not only meets structural requirements but also symbolizes resilience within the design. The layout features clear zones for different activities, including entry, dining, working, sleeping, and areas for both kitchen and bathroom functions. This organization of space enhances efficiency and allows for smooth transitions between daily tasks.

Integration of Natural Elements

One notable feature is the integration of a tree, which serves as a central element in the design. The tree is incorporated into the entrance, where stairs spiral around it. This design choice emphasizes the connection between the home and nature. It creates an inviting atmosphere while reminding inhabitants of their relationship with the environment.

Sustainability Features

The design emphasizes sustainability through various features. Solar panels are placed on the roof to capture renewable energy, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, a rainwater collection system is in place, with a tank located in the bathroom for reuse. These elements reflect a commitment to responsible resource management, making the living space more environmentally friendly.

Material Choices

TRIO uses bio-based materials in its construction. The main structure consists of wood, which adds warmth and a natural feel to the interior. The walls are made of organic popcorn panels, covered with cork on both sides for insulation and sound absorption. These selections enhance both comfort and efficiency in the design, supporting the idea of a home that is both livable and sustainable.

The interplay between the interior spaces and the central tree creates a unique character for the design. This relationship offers residents a chance to engage with nature in their daily routines, blending the comfort of home with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

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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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