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Triangular Wooden Volume with Integrated Rainwater System for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Eduardo Braga, Carolina Magalhães, Rita Caniceiro, Catarina Jegundo
Triangular Wooden Volume with Integrated Rainwater System for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

The triangular wooden volume, designed with a rainwater drainage system and flexible modular spaces, addresses the housing needs of young adults in Portugal while promoting sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular wooden volume enhances natural light entry.
02
Flexible modular layout adapts to varying occupant needs.
03
Integrated rainwater drainage supports sustainable practices.
04
Private garden area promotes personal cultivation.
05
Prefabricated construction allows efficient assembly.

The design of <> responds directly to the housing issues faced by young adults in Portugal. Set against a backdrop of growing urbanization and dwindling rural populations, the project aims to create viable living options that make the most of limited space. By embracing a modular approach and focusing on sustainability, the design not only addresses the need for affordable housing but also fosters a sense of community among its occupants.

Design Concept

At the heart of <> is the goal of maximizing living space in an effective way. The distinct triangular volume is a key feature, shaped by the strategic removal of material. This method not only shapes the building’s appearance but also enhances its functionality by allowing ample natural light to fill the interior spaces. The geometry invites curiosity while maintaining a practical essence.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout focuses on essential living needs, prioritizing comfort and usability. Modular furniture and elements that can fold away are carefully integrated into the design. This arrangement allows residents to adjust their living spaces based on their requirements. Such flexibility means that occupants can easily adapt their surroundings for different activities, which promotes a more dynamic way of living.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability plays a crucial role throughout the design. Photovoltaic panels harness solar energy, providing a clean energy source for daily needs. A rainwater collection system is also part of the design, capturing water for household use and garden maintenance. These features not only help the building operate independently but also encourage responsible resource management in everyday life.

Community Integration

The design promotes community by incorporating shared spaces alongside private areas. A garden for personal use offers residents a chance to connect with nature and engage in gardening. This feature encourages interactions between neighbors and strengthens communal ties. The overall layout supports social engagement, creating an environment where shared experiences are valued.

By combining these elements, the design reflects contemporary needs while remaining grounded in principles of sustainability and efficient use of space. The thoughtful arrangement of features fosters both individual and collective well-being, presenting a balanced approach to modern living.

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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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