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Water Recycling Home with Structural Insulated Panels and Natural Ventilation

Author:
Martin Gabriel Mkohi
Water Recycling Home with Structural Insulated Panels and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Utilizing structural insulated panels and a hydroloop water recycling system, the design seamlessly integrates natural ventilation and a central courtyard, creating a sustainable residence that fosters community and environmental harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hydroloop water recycling system that minimizes water waste.
02
Features an interior courtyard designed to enhance natural airflow throughout the home.
03
Constructed with structural insulated panels for improved energy efficiency and insulation.
04
Incorporates traditional cement stucco for localized cultural connection in finishing.
05
Designed with flexible spaces that can easily adapt to changing family needs.

**Overview and Intent**
Located in the Emirates, the House of the Future reflects a contemporary approach to residential architecture, emphasizing sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability. It aims to create living spaces that are attuned to the needs of their occupants while integrating both traditional architectural principles and advanced technology. The design prioritizes a central courtyard, which draws inspiration from historic Emirati architecture, facilitating natural ventilation and social interaction among residents.

**Spatial Configuration and User Experience**
The layout is designed for multifunctionality, balancing communal and private spaces effectively. Key aspects include a central courtyard that serves as a natural ventilation system and encourages interaction, while an adaptable floor plan allows for customized living experiences. The ground floor encompasses essential areas such as a family lounge and dining space, along with practical utilities, while the first floor offers privacy with bedrooms and balconies, enhancing views of the surroundings. This arrangement fosters both social connectivity and individual retreat, supporting a modern family lifestyle.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**
The project incorporates comprehensive sustainable strategies to minimize its ecological impact. Solar panels are utilized for power generation and water condensation, contributing to energy efficiency. A hydroloop system recycles water using solar energy, effectively purifying it for reuse. Natural ventilation strategies, such as wind towers, reduce reliance on mechanical cooling solutions. Materials chosen for the construction include Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for enhanced insulation and hollow steel columns for structural integrity. Finishing details such as traditional cement stucco establish a connection to the regional context, while green roof systems facilitate rainwater collection and improve thermal performance.

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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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