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Rainwater-Harvesting Microhome Crafted From Kingspan Insulation and Wood Elements

Authors:
Dan-andrei Pintea, Kerim Kocakaya
Rainwater-Harvesting Microhome Crafted From Kingspan Insulation and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with Kingspan insulation and designed for rainwater harvesting, this microhome integrates sustainable living solutions within a compact footprint ideal for urban or rural environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with high-performance Kingspan insulation for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to support off-grid living.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for improved structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Maximizes space efficiency through multifunctional interior arrangements.

### Overview

The Microhome | Tiny Flying Energy Plant, located in Singapore, is an architectural response to pressing housing and environmental challenges in urban areas. Designed to operate off-grid, this project not only addresses the need for efficient living spaces but also emphasizes sustainability through innovative energy solutions. The integration of modular living concepts allows for adaptability in both urban and rural settings, meeting the demands of contemporary lifestyles while fostering ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Efficiency and Design

The Microhome features a square floor plan that optimizes space utilization while accommodating varying room arrangements. This layout promotes accessibility and facilitates a fluid transition between living and working areas. The elevated structure enhances privacy and mitigates flood risks, while large windows and light tubes ensure ample natural light and ventilation, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Multi-functional furniture solutions further enhance the flexibility of the internal layout, allowing spaces to transform according to user needs.

### Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a core principle of this design, which incorporates renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. A rainwater harvesting system is included to reduce water consumption and promote resource conservation. The use of eco-friendly materials, including insulated façades and sustainable wood frameworks, underlines the project’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Collectively, these elements create a minimal-energy footprint, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable living while serving the needs of a community-oriented space.

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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
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