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Sustainable Urban Agriculture Integration With Photovoltaic and Rainwater Systems

Author:
Richard Peter Kroeker
Sustainable Urban Agriculture Integration With Photovoltaic and Rainwater Systems

Project in-detail

Utilizing rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic systems, the development integrates sustainable agricultural practices into an urban landscape while serving as a community hub for local food production.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates an extensive rainwater harvesting system designed specifically for arid conditions.
02
Utilizes photovoltaic panels installed on multiple building elevations for maximum energy capture.
03
Features raised planting beds to optimize crop yield and minimize water usage.
04
Incorporates a community market space adjacent to urban gardens for enhanced local production access.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design that enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

## Project Overview
Located in Gaborone, Botswana, the design of Lesatsi le Pula (Sun & Rain) aims to integrate sustainable agricultural practices with renewable energy technologies. Addressing local challenges such as water scarcity and food production, the project is informed by the region's average annual rainfall of approximately 485 mm. By employing solar energy and rainwater collection systems, the design seeks to foster a resilient and self-sufficient community.

## Resource Efficiency and Sustainability
The project is centered on the efficient use of resources, responding to Botswana’s reliance on coal-fired energy and limited agricultural water supply. The design incorporates photovoltaic panels for solar energy collection and extensive rainwater harvesting systems, contributing to local food production and environmental sustainability. These elements work in tandem to enhance community engagement and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

## Spatial Organization and Materiality
The layout of Lesatsi le Pula is strategically designed to optimize resource capture and promote community interaction. Key features include rainwater storage tanks situated close to urban gardens, enabling efficient irrigation and prolonged growing seasons. The solar energy collection systems are integrated into rooftops and parking canopies, providing shaded areas for social activities.

Materials selected for the project emphasize durability and sustainability, including:

- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Installed to maximize solar energy efficiency.
- **Concrete**: Utilized for water storage tanks, ensuring structural integrity.
- **Metal Framework**: Provides stability and supports solar collectors.
- **Wood**: Used in landscaping and potential construction of community residences.
- **Glass**: Incorporated in market spaces to enhance natural lighting for improved user experiences.

This thoughtful selection of materials reflects the project's commitment to environmental stewardship while addressing functional needs.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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