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Reflective Pools and Passive Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence

Author:
Troy Aday
Reflective Pools and Passive Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence

Project in-detail

A network of reflection pools and strategically placed clerestory windows enhances passive ventilation and natural light in a self-sufficient residence designed for contemporary living in Newberry Springs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflection pools enhance light diffusion and create a dynamic visual effect throughout the home.
02
The design employs clerestory windows that optimize passive ventilation and natural airflow.
03
Solar panels on the roof fully support the home's energy needs and sustainability goals.
04
Drought-tolerant trees are strategically placed to filter sunlight and reduce heat gain.
05
A central fire pit serves as both an aesthetic feature and a source of evening illumination.

The Reflection Home is located in Newberry Springs, California, and emphasizes a straightforward approach to residential living. The design focuses on sustainability and aims to create a strong connection with the surrounding environment. Natural light plays a key role in the overall concept, allowing the home to harmonize with local conditions while providing a comfortable living space.

Architectural Concept

A central feature of the home is the fire pit, which offers warmth and light during the evening hours. It reflects soft amber hues onto the white ceiling, creating an inviting atmosphere within the living and sleeping areas. This design choice not only enhances comfort but also adds a unique touch to the daily experience of the residents.

Light and Space

Large glass panels make up the east and west faces of the home, maximizing how much sunlight enters the interior. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views of the landscape outside, which helps to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. This connection fosters a sense of openness and allows natural light to play an important role in shaping the living environment throughout the day.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a fundamental consideration in the design. The home utilizes passive ventilation through clerestory windows located along the walls. These windows allow cooler air to flow through the house while letting out warmer air. This design reduces the need for mechanical cooling systems. A roof covered with solar panels generates energy for household needs, including powering pumps for the reflection pools.

Water Management

Additionally, a small well pump connects to the high water table of Newberry Springs, ensuring a reliable water source for the home. This aspect of the design demonstrates a commitment to using local resources. The incorporation of drought-tolerant trees and water features further enhances the outdoor environment by creating a calm and pleasant space that complements the overall aesthetic of the home.

The design intricately balances light, space, and natural elements, fostering a tranquil atmosphere for residents to engage with their environment.

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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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