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Sewage Treatment Integration with Green Roof and PEX Pipes in Community Space

Author:
Natalia Fira
Sewage Treatment Integration with Green Roof and PEX Pipes in Community Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating a home sewage treatment system and PEX pipes, the design enhances ecological sensitivity while providing a multifunctional space for community engagement and plant cultivation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a home sewage treatment plant with absorbent wells for eco-friendly waste management.
02
Features a greenhouse designed for year-round plant cultivation and community interaction.
03
Utilizes PEX pipes under dark roofing for efficient heating water circulation.
04
Eliminates architectural barriers to ensure full accessibility for all users.
05
Includes a green roof terrace that enhances insulation and provides a quiet outdoor space.

The design reflects a thoughtful approach to sustainability and community living, integrating functional spaces that serve both residents and visitors. Located in an area that values ecological considerations, the building features a greenhouse as a core element of its design. The overall concept combines energy efficiency and accessibility, meeting the needs of diverse users while being mindful of the natural environment.

Ecological Integration

The design makes sustainability a priority through innovative energy solutions. A greenhouse is positioned on the southern side of the building to take advantage of sunlight, allowing for maximum solar gain. This strategy is enhanced by a heating water system located under a dark roofing surface, which helps absorb and distribute heat effectively throughout the space.

Water Management

To further the commitment to sustainability, the northern side of the building includes a home sewage treatment plant and absorbent wells. This system reduces sewage output and repurposes treated wastewater for use in the greenhouse, promoting efficient water usage. By incorporating natural processes into the building's operation, the design fosters a balance between built and natural environments.

Accessibility and Spatial Organization

The layout clearly separates public and private areas to serve various functions. The ground floor acts as a public space, designed with service zones, a workshop, and access to the greenhouse. It includes a reception area and utility spaces that facilitate community activities. The workshop is adaptable, with movable partitions that allow it to be used for different purposes.

On the first floor, private zones are established to provide guest accommodations. This level features serving rooms, day zones, and hotel spaces, promoting comfort and privacy. A green roof terrace above the greenhouse not only adds insulation but also creates an inviting outdoor area, offering a place for residents to connect with nature.

Design Detail

A notable aspect of the project is the use of PEX pipes in the heating system, installed beneath the dark roofing. This setup enhances heating efficiency by allowing heat to transfer quickly and effectively. Such design considerations reflect a commitment to managing resources wisely while creating a functional living environment that supports both ecological and community needs.

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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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