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Retractable Living: A Compact Home with Integrated Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Giulia Fasoli, Flavia Renzi
Retractable Living: A Compact Home with Integrated Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

With a retractable bed and a rainwater harvesting system, this compact home prioritizes efficient use of space and sustainability in its design while accommodating the needs of modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable bed design allows for efficient use of space.
02
Rainwater harvesting system integrated beneath the floor.
03
Lofted sleeping areas maximize vertical living space.
04
Energy autonomy achieved through adjustable photovoltaic panel.
05
Wooden construction enhances sustainability and mobility.

The HOPE Tiny House demonstrates a modern approach to off-grid living, focusing on sustainable design and efficient use of space. With measurements of 6.60 meters long and 2.50 meters wide, it provides a total of 20 square meters of living space for up to four people. The design emphasizes practicality and environmental considerations, suitable for various lifestyles and settings.

Spatial Organization

The layout effectively organizes the interior spaces, allowing for multiple functions within a compact area. It features a small relaxation spot, a kitchen that can be separated from the living area with double sliding doors, a three-element bathroom, and a storage room. This design allows residents to adapt their living environment, enhancing comfort and usability in everyday life.



Loft Design

Two lofted sleeping areas are cleverly integrated into the structure. One loft features a single bed that can also serve as a study space, while the other loft includes a double bed for privacy. This vertical design takes advantage of limited floor space, promoting both communal living and individual retreat in a small setting.



Sustainable Features

The framework is predominantly made of wood, aligning with a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a rainwater collection system captures water in tanks beneath the floor, effectively utilizing available resources. Energy needs are addressed with an adjustable photovoltaic panel alongside an air heat pump system, providing heating and cooling to maintain comfort throughout the year.



Design Detailing

Attention to practical details enhances the overall functionality of the home. A standout feature is the retractable bed hidden in the kitchen, neatly stored under a shelf table to reduce clutter. This thoughtful integration of everyday elements showcases how efficiency can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of living spaces, contributing to a home that accommodates modern lifestyles while honoring ecological values.

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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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