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Self-Cleaning Pods With Active Carbon Filters in a Forest Setting

Author:
Jose Lacruz vela
Self-Cleaning Pods With Active Carbon Filters in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with pods that incorporate self-cleaning gray water systems and active carbon filters, the design fosters environmental integration while providing adaptable accommodations for various users in a forested setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each pod incorporates a self-cleaning grey water system using active carbon filters.
02
The design maintains a minimal footprint to preserve existing trees.
03
Pods are configured to adapt to various user needs and site conditions.
04
Natural light is enhanced through strategically placed skylights.
05
The project actively contributes to the forest ecosystem by using sustainable practices.

Forest Village is located in Vale de Moses and features a series of sleeping pods designed for flexible living arrangements. The project focuses on modular design to serve various user needs while emphasizing environmental responsibility. The overall concept is to integrate the structures harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, allowing for a closer connection to nature.

Modular Design

The architecture stands out for its modular approach. Each pod consists of smaller, low-maintenance modules, maintaining a footprint of around 15 m². This thoughtful design maximizes space utilization while ensuring minimal disturbance to the existing land and trees.

Functional Configuration

Each sleeping pod includes vital components like a landing ramp, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a self-sufficient installations module. This layout enables a clear separation of functional areas. The design also accommodates different users through varying typologies, such as family pods with extra bedrooms and group pods that can host larger gatherings.

Environmental Integration

A commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the project. The pods are strategically positioned to protect the natural tree canopy, reducing ecological impact. Moreover, each pod features systems to self-clean grey water using active carbon filters, which contribute to the health of the forest ecosystem underneath.

Sustainable Aesthetics

While specific materials used in the construction are not mentioned, there is an emphasis on choosing low-maintenance options in line with sustainable practices. The design carefully fosters an aesthetic connection to the surrounding landscapes of Vale de Moses, enriching the user experience with the natural environment.

The alignment of the pods with the stunning views of the area enhances the living experience, creating spaces that encourage relaxation and appreciation of the natural beauty while harmonizing with the landscape.

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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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