Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Straw Bale Construction with Integrated Rainwater Systems for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Lukasz Sakowicz, Urszula Nowacka
Straw Bale Construction with Integrated Rainwater Systems for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing straw bale construction alongside an integrated rainwater harvesting system, this residence exemplifies sustainable living while providing adaptable spaces for modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates straw bale construction for superior insulation and resource efficiency.
02
Features an innovative rainwater harvesting system to enhance water sustainability.
03
Utilizes locally sourced materials, reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
04
Design allows for flexible space adaptation to suit varying lifestyle needs.
05
Integrates passive solar principles to optimize energy use throughout the year.
The architectural project known as the Straw House represents a thoughtful integration of sustainable design principles into contemporary living spaces. Positioned within a rural or semi-urban context, this residence embodies the shifting paradigms of modern architecture by confronting pressing environmental issues while providing a functional and adaptable living environment. The design emphasizes a commitment to sustainability, minimalism, and resource conservation, making it a pertinent model for future residential projects.

The primary function of the Straw House is to serve as a viable home while demonstrating the possibilities of using renewable materials and sustainable practices. At its core, the project challenges conventional notions of housing by advocating for smaller living spaces that reduce the overall ecological footprint associated with traditional construction. This design is not merely about aesthetics; it fundamentally addresses the need for efficient resource management, particularly in terms of water usage—which is increasingly critical in many regions.

Key components of the Straw House include the innovative use of straw as a primary building material. Straw is leveraged for its inherently sustainable qualities, offering excellent insulation properties that contribute to energy efficiency. This decision not only promotes a reduced carbon footprint but also emphasizes the value of utilizing locally sourced materials. In addition to straw, the project incorporates plywood for flexible interior furnishings, plasterboard for wall finishes, and clay to create insulating layers, harmoniously blending ecological responsibility with practical design.

The layout of the Straw House is configured to maximize spatial efficiency, creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. High ceilings and carefully placed large windows invite natural light into the interior, fostering an environment that feels open and connected to nature. The design also includes sliding window doors that blur the boundaries between the home and its surroundings, encouraging engagement with the environment and enhancing the overall living experience.

Another crucial aspect of the project is the incorporation of a rainwater harvesting system. This feature highlights a forward-thinking approach to addressing water scarcity concerns by facilitating self-sufficiency. The integration of modern technology with traditional materials allows for effective water purification processes within the home, promoting a lifestyle that is both sustainable and resource-conscious. By making water management an integral part of the design, the project underscores the importance of conservation in daily life.

The adaptability of the interior layout is another unique design aspect of the Straw House. The multifunctional spaces can transition between various uses—whether as living areas, workspaces, or recreational spaces—reflecting the evolving needs of contemporary dwellers. This adaptability is essential in a world where lifestyle patterns are changing, and the demand for flexible home environments is on the rise.

In terms of aesthetic appeal, the Straw House maintains a clean and simplistic design that resonates with modern sensibilities. The use of natural materials contributes to a warm atmosphere, offering a sense of comfort that aligns with the project's ethos. The overall design philosophy promotes a lifestyle that is in tune with environmental stewardship without sacrificing the comforts associated with modern living.

By bridging traditional methods with innovative solutions, the Straw House initiates a conversation about the potential of sustainable architecture. It serves as a testament to how thoughtful design can contribute positively to both individual well-being and broader environmental goals. The project provides valuable insights and sets a precedent for future endeavors that seek to harmonize architecture with ecological consciousness.

Readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Straw House project for more in-depth insights into its architectural plans, sections, and designs. Engaging with these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how various architectural ideas come together to create a living space that is both practical and environmentally responsible. This project exemplifies how architecture can contribute meaningfully to the discourse on sustainability and modern living.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy