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Sustainable Living Through 3D Printed Recycled Materials Along Irrigation Canals

Authors:
Darshan Parikh, Abhijeet Parikh, Jonathan Chu
Sustainable Living Through 3D Printed Recycled Materials Along Irrigation Canals

Project in-detail

Constructed from 3D printed recycled materials, this modular housing solution integrates seamlessly with irrigation canals to support sustainable living in California's water-scarce regions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed for easy transport and relocation along irrigation canals.
02
The housing is constructed using 3D printed recycled materials, minimizing waste.
03
Each unit features solar panels integrated into the roof design for energy efficiency.
04
Wooden screens provide customizable privacy while allowing natural ventilation.
05
The project actively reduces water evaporation from adjacent irrigation canals.

**Project Overview**
Crosser addresses the pressing issues of housing shortages and environmental challenges within California's irrigation-rich regions. The project integrates sustainable practices with 3D-printed structures using recycled materials, aiming to provide affordable living solutions while preserving essential resources. Located in areas significantly impacted by high living costs and drought, Crosser responds to the need for efficient land use and innovative housing approaches.

**Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction**
The design features a linear arrangement of modular units that align with existing irrigation canals. Each unit is transportable, allowing for flexible placement and potential future relocation. This modularity enables dense clustering, fostering cohesive communities that maximize land efficiency and facilitate infrastructure integration. The design also incorporates adaptive features, such as movable elements and the capacity for micro-domestic or communal spaces, to accommodate the evolving needs of residents and enhance communal living.

**Sustainable Material Use**
Crosser employs an array of materials focused on sustainability and efficiency. The main structure is constructed using advanced 3D printing technology for quick assembly and minimal waste. Incorporation of recycled components throughout the units lowers the carbon footprint, while solar panels on the roofs provide renewable energy and reduce evaporation from the irrigation canals below. Additionally, large windows optimize natural light and passive ventilation, promoting comfort and reducing energy requirements. Custom wood screens are utilized not only for aesthetic appeal but also to offer privacy without compromising airflow or light, contributing to overall livability.

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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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