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Solar-Powered Micro Home With Zero-Mass Water Panels

Author:
Willem Van der westhuizen
Solar-Powered Micro Home With Zero-Mass Water Panels

Project in-detail

Equipped with solar body panels and zero-mass water technology, the Micro Rover provides a compact and sustainable solution for mobile living in remote environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with variable suspension systems for terrain adaptability.
02
Integrates zero-mass water panels for sustainable water sourcing.
03
Features a lightweight chassis to enhance mobility and efficiency.
04
Offers a rotating multi-purpose couch to maximize interior versatility.
05
Incorporates advanced gyro stabilization for enhanced user safety.

The Micro Rover offers a new perspective on mobile living, designed for those who want comfort and practicality while exploring remote areas. It combines a sturdy structure with eco-friendly solutions, making it suitable for navigating difficult landscapes. The focus is on professionals, like photographers and architects, who need reliable shelter in challenging environments without giving up modern conveniences.

Structural Design
At the core of the Micro Rover is a heavy-duty box chassis that supports a living cabin. This cabin measures three meters wide and six meters long, creating a comfortable yet compact space. The chassis features solar body paneling and zero-mass water panels on the roof, allowing the vehicle to generate energy and convert air into drinkable water.

Interior Layout
Inside the Micro Rover, the design emphasizes versatility. Notable features include a work station, a rotating multi-purpose couch, and a retractable dining table. These elements can be repurposed depending on the situation, maximizing usability. Storage is cleverly integrated throughout the cabin, maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment.

Mobility and Stability
The roving unit incorporates advanced variable suspension systems that automatically adapt to different terrains. This technology enhances stability and comfort as users traverse unpredictable landscapes. A gyro stabilization feature ensures that the cabin remains level, providing a safe and pleasant experience even on uneven ground.

Sustainability Features
The Micro Rover runs on an electric engine, ensuring emissions-free movement that aligns with modern environmental standards. Additionally, a water filtration system allows for the recycling of grey water into purified drinking water, illustrating the commitment to efficient resource management within this mobile setting.

Amidst the innovation, the Micro Rover stands out for its adaptability and the careful consideration of user needs, making it a noteworthy option for sustainable and practical living on the go.

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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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