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Twisting Forms with Green Roofs and Grey Water Recycling

Authors:
Yee Qing Xuan, Tan Xian Yi, Lim Shu Chern
Twisting Forms with Green Roofs and Grey Water Recycling
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The twisting form of modular units equipped with green roofs and a grey water recycling system redefines affordable living by enhancing sustainability and community connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisting modular units create dynamic interior spaces and enhance visual interest.
02
Each housing unit incorporates a green roof for temperature regulation and biodiversity.
03
A grey water recycling system promotes efficient water use and sustainability.
04
The design utilizes solar panels to generate renewable energy for residents.
05
Community connectivity is prioritized through careful spatial planning and open areas.

The "Twist Out of the Box" project offers a fresh approach to affordable housing by utilizing modular design that emphasizes both practicality and visual interest. Situated in an urban environment characterized by rising housing demands, the design addresses challenges related to space and sustainability. It presents a modern living solution that focuses on adaptability and efficient use of resources, transforming how people interact with their homes.

Modular Construction

The design relies on modular construction methods, allowing for flexibility in the arrangement of spaces. These modules can be customized based on site conditions and residents’ needs. Interconnected units promote community living while optimizing the use of available land. This approach streamlines both the building process and the overall cost, making housing more accessible to a broader audience.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of this design. Green spaces are incorporated throughout, improving air quality and providing natural insulation. Trees and plants are not mere decorations; they play a significant role in managing indoor temperatures and enhancing residents' well-being. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, support the daily electricity needs of the households, demonstrating a clear commitment to environmentally responsible living.

Innovative Energy Solutions

The project employs innovative systems to further its sustainability goals. A grey water recycling system enables the treatment and reuse of wastewater for gardening and sanitation purposes. This practice reduces waste and supports efficient resource usage. Additionally, the introduction of Plant Microbial Fuel Cell technology harnesses energy from living plants and bacteria, creating a self-sustaining energy source while contributing to the overall eco-friendliness of the design.

Technical Systems

Advanced technical systems are integrated into the design to enhance performance and durability. The mechanical hydraulic automation roof features airtight sealing that improves energy efficiency and protects against harsh weather. These elements reflect a thoughtful understanding of modern urban living needs and ensure a reliable and comfortable home for residents.

Carefully considered design elements encourage natural light to fill the shared spaces. Each aspect is designed not only for function but for creating environments that feel good to live in. The focus on both usability and comfort ensures that residents have a pleasant experience in their homes.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
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