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Rooftop Micro-Living With Water-Harvesting Systems

Authors:
Eu jin See, Munifah wani Binte abdul rahim, Nur syazana Binti jumadi, Tan jun long Dylan
Rooftop Micro-Living With Water-Harvesting Systems

Project in-detail

Rooftop micro-living units equipped with advanced water-harvesting systems provide sustainable housing solutions in densely populated urban areas, promoting efficient use of limited space while catering to the needs of diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop units maximize urban space without new ground construction.
02
Advanced water-harvesting systems enhance resource self-sufficiency.
03
The design incorporates modular, flat-pack construction for rapid deployment.
04
Units are tailored for diverse urban residents, including nomads and startups.
05
Visible parasitic extensions create a distinct aesthetic contrast with host structures.

The design addresses the issue of land scarcity in urban settings, focusing on the concept of parasitic architecture. Located in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and New York, the objective is to create new living spaces by integrating them into existing structures. The approach seeks to make efficient use of limited space and offers alternative models for urban living, catering to residents such as urban nomads, small families, and startups.

Micro-Living Solutions

Compact homes are proposed for installation on rooftops, maximizing vertical space to create additional housing. This strategy reduces the demand for new ground-level construction while preserving essential land in crowded cities. Each unit prioritizes user comfort and functionality, carefully designed to offer a pleasant living experience despite the constraints of micro-living.

Visual Distinction and Aesthetic Integration

The design features parasitic extensions that visually contrast with their host buildings. This choice highlights the innovative character of the new structures while fostering an engaging relationship with the existing urban environment. The result is an architectural blend that challenges conventional ideas of how buildings can interact with one another and their surroundings.

Sustainable Resource Management

Sustainability is a key focus, with systems in place for managing resources effectively. Each unit captures rainwater and utilizes atmospheric moisture, enabling independence from traditional utility services. This design principle encourages environmentally responsible living, ensuring that residents can minimize their ecological footprint and live sustainably within the urban landscape.

Efficient Construction and Deployment

Logistical considerations play an important role in the project, with flat-pack modular designs that facilitate easy transportation and quick assembly in urban settings. This practical setup makes implementing micro-living solutions more achievable, directly addressing the challenges of urban density.

A noteworthy design detail is the expanded rooftop garden that accompanies the compact units. This feature offers residents green space, blending nature with urban living and enhancing both the aesthetic quality and environmental comfort of the area.

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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

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