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Rainwater Harvesting Integrated With Transparent Facades in a Family-Oriented Residence

Authors:
Gļebs ščeglovs, Alona Jurtova
Rainwater Harvesting Integrated With Transparent Facades in a Family-Oriented Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating rainwater harvesting systems with expansive glass facades, the residence prioritizes sustainable living while providing a fluid connection between interior and outdoor family spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a rainwater collection system within structural columns for resource efficiency.
02
Utilizes extensive glass facades to enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the landscape.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against weathering.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial volume and architectural interest.
05
Employs natural ventilation strategies to improve indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.

### Project Overview

Located in Barcelona, Spain, "The House 33" is designed to enhance the relationship between living spaces and the environment while balancing openness and privacy. The architectural intent focuses on creating versatile areas that cater to communal activities and individual retreats. Integrating traditional Spanish design elements within a contemporary framework, the project reflects the local architectural language while adapting it to modern living.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of "The House 33" emphasizes a thoughtful arrangement that prioritizes user experience. Open living areas facilitate interaction, combining functions such as dining, cooking, and relaxing into a cohesive environment. Private quarters, including bedrooms and bathrooms, are strategically placed to ensure privacy while maintaining views of the surrounding landscape. Outdoor spaces, including balconies and terraces, encourage engagement with the external environment and contribute to the overall flow of the design.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection in "The House 33" significantly influences its character and sustainability initiatives. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and a minimalist aesthetic, while extensive use of glass enhances transparency, connecting interior and exterior spaces. Metal contributes to the modern design, used for structural frameworks and decorative details. Wood is incorporated for interior finishes, adding warmth and texture, which balances the more austere elements of concrete and glass.

Sustainability is a core component of the design, featuring a rainwater collection system that utilizes the building's columns for effective water management. The architecture promotes natural ventilation to improve indoor air quality without relying heavily on mechanical cooling systems. Spatial organization maximizes natural light, reducing the dependence on artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, unique features such as thermal technologies and playful design elements reflect a commitment to both cultural resonance and environmental stewardship.

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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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