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Train Roof Home with Rainwater Recovery and Flexible Spaces

Author:
Pierre Roustant
Train Roof Home with Rainwater Recovery and Flexible Spaces
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Utilizing a former train roof and incorporating a rainwater recovery system, this compact dwelling prioritizes sustainability and flexibility while serving as a comfortable home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a former train roof as a central structural element.
02
Incorporates a rainwater recovery system for efficient water management.
03
Features retractable furniture for maximizing usable space.
04
Equipped with a dehumidifier that converts humidity into water.
05
Built on a mobile trailer to allow for adaptability and relocation.

The Tiny Home offers an innovative solution for compact living while highlighting the importance of sustainability and flexibility. Positioned as a versatile dwelling, it caters to individuals seeking a comfortable yet eco-conscious lifestyle. The design effectively blends modern living with practicality, creating a unique space that adapts to the needs of its occupants.

Spatial Organization

This home maximizes utility and comfort through an adaptive layout. The main area supports multiple functions, allowing the space to transform based on daily activities. Retractable and reversible furniture plays a key role in achieving this versatility. Large windows invite ample natural light into the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance and creating a strong connection with the surrounding environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the Tiny Home's design. The south-facing facade is lined with solar panels that generate electricity for daily use. Water management is carefully considered, with a rainwater-recovering roof, a shower loop, and a dehumidifier that converts humidity into liquid water. These innovative systems contribute to the home’s self-sufficiency and align with contemporary environmental concerns.

Materiality

The construction features a former train roof, combined with a wooden structure, which reflects an approach to environmental responsibility. This design choice demonstrates how reclaimed materials can be effectively integrated into modern housing. The use of biosourced and reused materials throughout reinforces the commitment to reducing environmental impact while creating a functional and inviting living space.

The design skillfully incorporates varied ceiling and floor heights to create distinct living zones. This thoughtful planning enhances spatial experiences, ensuring each area serves a specific purpose while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home. The combination of adaptable spaces and resource-efficient technologies creates a harmonious living environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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