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Sustainable Living With Reclaimed Wood and Green Roof Techniques in Compact Design

Authors:
Michele Mazzaro, Eric james Maurer
Sustainable Living With Reclaimed Wood and Green Roof Techniques in Compact Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with reclaimed wood and topped with a green roof, this compact dwelling optimizes resources and sustainability while providing essential living space amid Venezuela's challenging economic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with locally sourced reclaimed wood to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates a green roof for rainwater harvesting and temperature regulation.
03
Utilizes flexible furnishings to maximize functionality in limited square footage.
04
Features an adaptable design that allows for self-build capabilities by local residents.
05
Employs natural ventilation strategies to enhance indoor comfort and reduce energy use.

The architectural project titled "25 m² Vision for Scarcity" addresses the socio-economic challenges faced in Venezuela by proposing an efficient living solution within a limited footprint of 25 square meters. This design focuses on resilience, sustainability, and adaptability, aiming to provide a functional living space that meets basic needs while integrating innovative architectural strategies. The project represents a response to scarcity, offering practical insights into housing solutions for communities in similar situations.

Unique Aspects of Design and Functionality

The "25 m² Vision for Scarcity" is distinguished by its commitment to environmental sustainability and resourcefulness. The project incorporates a combination of locally available materials, such as reclaimed wood, oak, corrugated fiber cement, and concrete, which align with traditional building practices in Venezuela. This choice not only reduces costs but also fosters community engagement in the construction process.

A flexible interior layout maximizes usability of limited space, featuring furnishings such as a Murphy bed, pull-down desk, and fold-away storage units that enhance multifunctionality. The design optimizes natural light through strategically placed windows, ensuring a livable environment without excessive reliance on electrical lighting. Furthermore, the incorporation of systems like a green roof for rainwater collection and solar panels for energy generation reinforces the project’s sustainability goals, providing autonomy in energy and water management.

Innovative Approaches to Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus in the "25 m² Vision for Scarcity." The project integrates several systems aimed at promoting self-sufficiency. The green roof not only contributes to water management but also allows residents to cultivate gardens, connecting inhabitants to their environment. The photovoltaic array serves dual purposes by supplying electricity and enabling the structure to remain functional despite unreliable external power sources.

Additionally, the architecture employs a natural ventilation strategy that enhances thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption. This approach underscores the project's overarching goal of resilience in housing, promoting a lifestyle that maximizes resource efficiency amidst economic constraints.

For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas that inform its execution. Understanding the architectural details of the "25 m² Vision for Scarcity" can offer valuable insights into effective housing solutions for contemporary challenges.

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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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