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Sustainable Living with Finnish Pine and Water Collection Systems

Authors:
Silvia Atanasova, Deniza Kyorova, Svetlana Delinska
Sustainable Living with Finnish Pine and Water Collection Systems

Project in-detail

Built with Finnish pine and equipped with an effective water collection system, the design emphasizes sustainability and adaptability to diverse living environments, serving as a modern residential solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Finnish pine is the primary material, enhancing sustainability and aesthetic warmth.
02
An innovative water collection system is integrated, promoting effective resource management.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through a combination of skylights and strategic window placement.
04
The layout allows for multifunctional spaces, adapting easily to various living needs.
05
Energy production is supported by high-efficiency solar panels on the roof.

The SSD House, or Sustainable Smart Development House, offers a contemporary view on integrating energy efficiency with environmental care. Designed for various locations, it can fit well in city settings or on the coast. Its goal is to create a living environment that blends practical use with a strong connection to the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

This house focuses on the idea of multifunctional spaces arranged efficiently. Each area is designed to flow into the next, making it easy to use and comfortable. Natural light is used abundantly, and fresh air flows through the building, ensuring a healthy atmosphere inside. The layout allows both private moments and social gatherings, accommodating different lifestyles.

Materiality

Finnish pine is the primary material used in construction, chosen for its renewability, density, and strength. Using wood not only supports ecological principles but also brings a warm and welcoming feel to the interiors. The natural qualities of the material enhance both the beauty and the experience of living in the house.

Sustainable Technologies

Advanced technology features play a central role in the design. Solar panels on the roof capture sunlight, providing renewable energy and reducing reliance on outside sources. A water collection system is integrated into the layout, helping to manage resources effectively while still ensuring comfort. These technologies highlight the importance of caring for the environment while meeting modern living standards.

Design Details

Thoughtful aspects, such as underfloor heating and natural ventilation, improve the overall living experience. Skylights and well-placed windows promote airflow, creating a pleasant indoor climate. The flexible layout allows spaces to adapt easily to different functions, like turning a living room into a sleeping area. The design emphasizes comfort and practicality while remaining connected to its surroundings.

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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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