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Thermodynamic Walls and Aquatic Plants in Sustainable Residential Living

Author:
Paulina Gonzalez
Thermodynamic Walls and Aquatic Plants in Sustainable Residential Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating PET bottles into thermodynamic walls and utilizing aquatic plants for sustainable water management, the design redefines residential living by promoting ecological harmony and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates PET bottles as a key element in thermodynamic wall construction.
02
Features two artificial wetlands for sewage and graywater treatment.
03
Utilizes aquatic plants for natural water filtration and reuse.
04
Design maximizes natural light through strategic window placement.
05
Encourages community engagement through multifunctional garden spaces.

Casa Hasi represents a thoughtful response to the need for a deeper connection between people and their environment. Located in a contemporary setting, the design draws inspiration from a seed, emphasizing roots that foster interactions with the natural world. The concept promotes community engagement and sustainability, aiming to create spaces that encourage daily interaction with nature while supporting a harmonious lifestyle.

Garden Integration

The design layout includes three primary areas, each featuring gardens intended for different uses. This division enhances the user experience by promoting both visual and physical links between the indoor and outdoor spaces. By integrating gardens into the architecture, the design fosters a vibrant atmosphere that encourages communal activities as well as personal reflection and relaxation.

Sustainable Water Management

An important element of Casa Hasi is its innovative water management system, which consists of two artificial wetlands. One wetland treats sewage, while the other manages graywater, utilizing aquatic plants for natural filtration. This system exemplifies an effective approach to sustainability, allowing for the reuse of clean water for irrigation. By incorporating these features, the design encourages responsible water use and fosters ecological awareness.

Construction and Materiality

The construction method of Casa Hasi involves combining PET bottles with concrete, effectively creating a thermodynamic wall. This design choice ensures effective temperature regulation while enhancing residents' connection to their surroundings. The use of such materials reflects a commitment to practicality and environmental consideration, showcasing how innovative building techniques can contribute to sustainability in design.

Facade and Natural Light

The facade has been carefully crafted to blend with the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces. This relationship with the outdoors enriches the living experience and enhances the overall atmosphere within the home. Thoughtful placement of windows and openings creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to the character of the architecture while promoting a sense of openness.

At the center of Casa Hasi are functional spaces, including a sleeping area, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Each area has been thoughtfully arranged to encourage interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home. This careful configuration exemplifies a balanced approach to modern living, integrating comfort and connection with nature.

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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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