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Sustainable Cabin Design with Photovoltaic Elements and Rainwater Harvesting

Author:
Karolina Rymaszewska
Sustainable Cabin Design with Photovoltaic Elements and Rainwater Harvesting
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Equipped with photovoltaic solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, the cabin enhances self-sufficiency while providing a flexible living space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with photovoltaic solar panels for energy independence.
02
Rainwater harvesting system ensures self-sufficient water supply.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability.
04
Interior openings maximize natural light and outdoor views.
05
Constructed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

MoveMe is an off-grid cabin designed to reduce environmental impact while maximizing the use of space. Located in a natural setting, it serves as a flexible living solution that fosters a strong connection between occupants and their surroundings. The design concept focuses on creating experiences that seamlessly integrate daily routines with evening relaxation, all while promoting sustainability.

Architectural Form

The cabin features a simple geometric shape with carefully placed openings that promote interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach allows natural light and fresh air to flow through, enhancing the overall living experience. The layout is organized to separate practical activities during the day from quieter moments in the evening, showcasing how the design can adapt to various needs.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key element of the MoveMe design, incorporating features that support eco-friendly living. Photovoltaic solar panels are installed to capture renewable energy, reducing the need for traditional energy sources. An air-heat pump is included to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, helping to minimize energy use over time.

Water Management

Water usage is carefully considered through the addition of a rainwater tank and a water filter. These systems ensure that the cabin remains self-sufficient in terms of water supply and quality. By managing resources effectively, MoveMe emphasizes the importance of living responsibly within nature.

The design combines functionality with an appreciation for the natural landscape. The organization of the indoor spaces encourages a natural transition between daily activities and evening relaxation. Openings in the structure frame views of the outdoors, allowing residents to enjoy the landscape as part of their daily life. This connection to the environment is a deliberate aspect of the design, reinforcing the values of sustainability and harmony with nature.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
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Stair
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

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

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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