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Rainwater-Reusing Residence Framed by Olive Trees and Glass Roofs

Authors:
Navid Shokrifar, Sarvin Soheili, Ehsan Mousavi, Mojde Soroush
Rainwater-Reusing Residence Framed by Olive Trees and Glass Roofs

Project in-detail

A home characterized by expansive glass roofs and a rainwater reuse system integrates naturally with the surrounding landscape of olive trees, creating a unique environment that supports family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A high glass roof maximizes natural light while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The design includes a rainwater reuse system that irrigates the home’s gardens.
03
Olive trees are integrated into the landscape design, enhancing biodiversity and visual interest.
04
Spaces are arranged to promote both communal living and private reflection.
05
The home’s layout incorporates elements that evoke personal memories and experiences.

The design features a residence that emphasizes openness and connections throughout its spaces. Located in a lush setting, the home fosters a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. The concept revolves around encouraging interactions among inhabitants while also offering areas for privacy and reflection.

Spatial Layout

The residence employs a well-planned open layout that facilitates movement and engagement. High glass roofs and wide hallways allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a lively atmosphere. Traditional barriers such as solid doors are replaced with pocket and self-closing options, promoting an easy flow between different areas of the home and supporting daily routines.

Interaction with the Environment

A key aspect of the design is its relationship with the natural surroundings. Large windows frame views of the landscape, drawing the outdoors into the living spaces. By incorporating systems for reusing rainwater, the home demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. This connection with nature forms a crucial part of the living experience, allowing residents to feel grounded in their environment.

Personal Experience

The layout not only serves practical functions but also reflects personal stories and relationships. Each space is designed to evoke feelings of familiarity and comfort. Daily life occurs within these meaningful contexts, allowing residents to engage with their memories in a physical setting. The design encourages a deeper connection between the home and those who inhabit it.

Design Features

Attention to detail is evident in how light interacts with various surfaces and materials. The changing patterns of light and shadow enhance the living experience, helping to create dynamic spaces. This careful approach to design ensures the home is practical, while also becoming a canvas for the lives that unfold within its walls.

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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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