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Timber-Centric Living With Integrated Greywater Solutions

Authors:
Luciano Espinoza, Nahuel Espinoza, Alejandro Galvez alvarez
Timber-Centric Living With Integrated Greywater Solutions

Project in-detail

With an innovative use of modular timber construction and a greywater treatment system, this living environment balances community interaction with privacy, accommodating the diverse needs of urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular system allows flexible living arrangements within a compact footprint.
02
The incorporation of a greywater treatment system enhances sustainability.
03
Upper levels constructed with timber promote a lighter architectural feel.
04
Living compartments are available in multiple adaptable configurations.
05
A central courtyard design fosters community interaction and natural light.

Giardino is located in a rapidly growing urban area, designed to meet the need for comfortable living spaces among the increasing population. The overall concept focuses on creating an environment that balances communal living with private retreats. It aims to foster social interaction while acknowledging the need for personal space. The layout combines public areas on the lower levels with private units that rise above, encouraging a sense of community while providing safety and solitude.

Design Concept

The design effectively separates public and private spaces, allowing residents to engage with each other while maintaining their own sanctuaries. The lower two floors feature concrete areas for social activities, while wood is used on the upper levels. This choice emphasizes flexibility and lightness, making the building feel open and welcoming. The approach reflects modern urban housing that meets diverse lifestyle needs without sacrificing comfort.

Spatial Configuration

Notable in the project is a courtyard that extends upward to the roof level in inhabited floors. This design brings in natural light and creates a space for social interaction, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The courtyard becomes a gathering place, reinforcing the sense of community among residents and enriching the overall living experience.

Flexible Compartments

Giardino introduces three types of living compartments, each measuring 12 square meters. These compartments come in right-angled, squared, and rectangular forms, allowing for different arrangements depending on family size. This flexibility enables residents to adjust their living spaces according to their needs while still being part of a larger community. The arrangement optimizes space and encourages personalization, accommodating various household dynamics.

Sustainable Practices

The project incorporates a greywater treatment system, illustrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This feature reduces ecological impact and enhances the building's functionality, addressing modern urban challenges. Such measures demonstrate an understanding of the importance of sustainability in today’s architecture.

The design includes wide staircases that serve not only as pathways but also as social spaces. With seating areas and landings where residents can pause, these elements invite casual interactions and foster a sense of belonging. This detail adds to Giardino’s purpose, providing both structure and community within the living environment.

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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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