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Sedum Walls and Rainwater Collection in a Compact Living Unit

Authors:
Joanna Matraszek, Michał Matraszek, Magda Blicharz
Sedum Walls and Rainwater Collection in a Compact Living Unit

Project in-detail

The integration of sedum walls and a rainwater collection system defines a compact living unit designed for urban environments, promoting sustainability and functionality in everyday life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The exterior features a continuous layer of sedum for natural insulation and integration with the environment.
02
A sloped roof collects rainwater, which is stored and utilized for domestic needs.
03
The interior layout separates work and relaxation areas, maximizing functionality in a compact footprint.
04
The circular design reduces thermal bridging, enhancing energy efficiency in the unit.
05
Modular capabilities allow for diverse configurations, promoting adaptable living solutions in urban settings.

The 0.25 Unit offers a compact and efficient solution for modern living, showcasing a careful blend of design and sustainability. Situated in urban environments where space is limited, the unit allows for a close relationship with nature, promoting the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The primary concept focuses on creating a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of comfort and functionality.

Materials and Sustainability

Sedum serves as the primary material for the exterior walls, emphasizing the design's commitment to sustainability. These green walls not only help the building blend with its environment but also provide various benefits. They enhance air quality, offer insulation, and assist in temperature control within the unit. Choosing sedum contributes to the structure's resilience against weather challenges while minimizing its overall carbon footprint.

Interior Organization

Inside the 0.25 Unit, the layout promotes practical use of space with areas specified for both work and relaxation. Plywood is used for interior surfaces, creating a warm atmosphere. This choice of material supports a simple aesthetic that encourages appreciation of the views brought indoor through large windows. Each area is designed to make the most of the available space, ensuring a comfortable flow throughout the unit.

Water Management

The design includes a sloped roof that captures rainwater, marking a key feature of the unit. This system supports self-sufficiency and sustainability, allowing collected rainwater to be utilized in daily activities. The plumbing setup utilizes this water effectively, highlighting a smart approach to resource management. The roof's slope also helps in cooling adjacent storage areas, increasing the unit's overall efficiency.

The unit's modular design allows for various configurations, accommodating different housing needs within neighborhoods. Its circular shape reduces thermal bridging issues found in more traditional designs, promoting energy efficiency. With unobstructed airflow and abundant natural light, the design enriches the living experience while maintaining a respectful relationship with the surrounding 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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