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Rainwater Harvesting Residence Built with Rice Straw and Local Stone

Authors:
Anna Villars, Louis Dubrel
Rainwater Harvesting Residence Built with Rice Straw and Local Stone

Project in-detail

Utilizing rice straw for insulation and stone for durability, this residence incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and flexible design to create an efficient living space in just 25m².
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater harvesting system integrated into the roof design for efficient water management.
02
Walls constructed with rice straw for improved insulation and sustainability.
03
Local stone used for the foundation to enhance stability and environmental adaptation.
04
Flexible interior layout allows for adaptable living spaces in a compact footprint.
05
Slatted wooden walls facilitate natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.

## Overview

Located within a context that emphasizes sustainability, the 25m² house is designed according to bioclimatic principles that promote passive climate control and minimize environmental impact. The project integrates traditional materials and innovative methods to align with natural elements, aiming to foster a cohesive interaction with its surroundings while addressing contemporary living challenges.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The architectural layout prioritizes a flexible, open-plan design that facilitates adaptability and maximizes the use of natural light and airflow. Different sections of the house are interconnected while maintaining distinct functionalities, allowing for efficient circulation and use of space. Key features include a roof designed for rainwater harvesting, channeling precipitation into an underground collection system, and slatted wooden walls that provide cross-ventilation while ensuring privacy.

### Material Resilience and Local Context

This project employs four primary materials to support its structural integrity and sustainability. Wood serves as the main framework, offering warmth and resilience, while stone forms the foundation, providing stability and moisture protection. Rice straw is utilized within wall construction to enhance thermal insulation, and clay is incorporated to improve the bioclimatic performance by regulating moisture and contributing to thermal mass. These materials not only fulfill functional requirements but also reflect local craftsmanship and cultural traditions, grounding the design in its geographical context.

The integration of flexible solar panels underscores a commitment to renewable energy, further enhancing the house's sustainability. The architectural choices together represent a holistic approach to modern housing, emphasizing environmental considerations without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

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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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