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Rainwater Harvesting With Prefabricated Modules In a Flexible Living Space

Authors:
Dylan Morel, Dorian Bernard
Rainwater Harvesting With Prefabricated Modules In a Flexible Living Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating rainwater harvesting and prefabricated modules, the design offers a flexible living space that adapts to the needs of its occupants while promoting sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for easy adaptation to various environments.
02
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to ensure fresh water access.
03
Features a multifunctional wood-burning stove at the center of the living space.
04
Movable furniture enhances spatial flexibility for diverse activities.
05
Includes a greenhouse for promoting onsite food production.

The Ecohaven project offers a thoughtful solution to current issues like climate change and resource management. Located in various urban and rural settings, this modular home focuses on providing flexible living spaces that encourage energy independence. The design concept centers on combining sustainable practices with everyday functionality, creating an environment that aligns with nature.

Design Concept
The layout of the Ecohaven is organized into distinct areas that address the different needs of its occupants. Spaces for resting, bathing, cooking, dining, and even farming are clearly defined. These areas link to a central living space, featuring a wood-burning stove that serves multiple purposes. This arrangement fosters a sense of connectedness while maintaining practicality in everyday life.

Material Selection
The materials chosen for the Ecohaven emphasize sustainability and efficiency. Primarily, wood is used as the main building material due to its eco-friendly characteristics and low carbon footprint. Plywood is included in the prefabricated modules, making construction straightforward and efficient. Alongside these, metal cladding and corrugated polycarbonate provide durability. These materials together support the home's overall design aims.

Sustainable Features
Self-sufficiency is a crucial aspect of Ecohaven's design. It features a rainwater harvesting system that is paired with a reservoir in the foundation, ensuring access to fresh water even in difficult conditions. The incorporation of photovoltaic panels and greywater treatment enhances the home’s capability to function independently from outside resources. These systems work together to create a sustainable living environment.

Spatial Adaptability
Movable furniture is a key detail in the Ecohaven, allowing the interior layout to change based on the occupants' needs. This flexibility makes efficient use of space and supports a lively living area that can accommodate various activities. Additionally, an integrated greenhouse is part of the design, promoting food production and encouraging a stronger relationship between residents and their surroundings.

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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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