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Vertical Living with Piston-Operated Sunshades and Rainwater Reservoirs

Authors:
Răzvan Lazăr, Andreea Popîrda, Alexandru Țîrcă
Vertical Living with Piston-Operated Sunshades and Rainwater Reservoirs
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Equipped with piston-operated sunshades and a hidden rainwater collection system, the microhome maximizes vertical space and adaptability while providing essential living functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected through hidden gutters integrated into the design.
02
Piston-operated sunshades provide adjustable light control and outdoor coverage.
03
The microhome maximizes vertical space with additional reading and office areas.
04
Constructed with a wooden A-frame structure that enhances stability and aesthetics.
05
Modular design allows for easy expansion to accommodate changing needs.

The design presents a compact microhome that effectively addresses the need for efficient living spaces in contemporary settings. Built on a minimal area module of 16.2 square meters, it integrates essential living areas such as a kitchenette, bathroom, shower, desk, living room, reading or relaxation area, and bedroom. The overall concept emphasizes practicality and sustainability, making the most of limited space while delivering comfort.

Modularity as a Core Feature

The design promotes modularity as a key aspect, enabling future extensions through the addition of extra units. This flexibility caters to changing occupant needs and allows for personalization of the living environment. The ease of expansion eliminates the need for major structural modifications, showcasing an adaptable approach to modern living.

Sustainable Water Management

A significant feature is the rainwater collection system, which uses hidden gutters to channel water down through internal pipes. This setup reduces reliance on external water sources, enhancing the home's sustainability profile without compromising aesthetics. The efficient drainage solution supports functional design while meeting practical needs.

Structural Composition and Aesthetic

The microhome utilizes a wooden A-frame structure that offers strength and a lightweight feel. This choice aligns with the design's minimalist intention, allowing for open and versatile living spaces. The structure not only ensures stability but also blends well with various environments, whether in city settings or rural areas.

Light Management and Outdoor Interaction

The design incorporates wooden sunshades mounted on a metallic frame, aimed at managing natural light entry. These sunshades feature a piston mechanism that allows for full extension into a canopy. This functionality enhances the interior atmosphere and encourages outdoor engagement, thus broadening the use of space beyond the home's walls.

The full module extends to 24.5 square meters, making smart use of vertical space. This thoughtful design accommodates additional areas, including a small office and an upstairs reading nook, which increases the home’s adaptability while maintaining its compact footprint.

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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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