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Wind-Powered Microhomes with Urban Farming and Seawater Harvesting

Authors:
Akidmuzhafar Taib, Syibrisyazni Taib
Wind-Powered Microhomes with Urban Farming and Seawater Harvesting
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Harnessing wind energy and integrating urban farming, these microhomes utilize seawater harvesting to create a sustainable living environment in Singapore’s dense urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Harnesses wind energy through external vanes for electricity generation.
02
Utilizes seawater harvesting for efficient water supply management.
03
Incorporates urban farming areas for local food production.
04
Designed as off-grid structures for sustainable living adaptability.
05
Promotes community interaction through shared multifunctional spaces.

The "Towering Microhomes" project addresses the challenges of urban living in Singapore, a city known for its dense population and limited land availability. The initiative focuses on creating compact living spaces that prioritize functionality and sustainability. By reimagining underused areas—like spaces beneath highway bridges and gaps between tall buildings—the project transforms these overlooked sites into active residential environments. It aims to redefine what it means to live in a community, offering microhomes as a practical solution to current housing issues.

Design Concept

The design centers on efficient spatial organization, where every area serves multiple purposes. Ground and first-floor plans create a layout that allows for everyday activities, such as cooking, exercising, and socializing, all within a small footprint. This thoughtful arrangement not only meets the essential needs of residents but also encourages interaction and a sense of community.

Sustainability Measures

Self-sufficiency is a key focus, with off-grid structures that adapt to various urban contexts. Water management systems are designed to draw and filter seawater, providing an ongoing solution to local water shortages. These systems promote sustainability while ensuring that residents have access to clean water. Additionally, power storage solutions are implemented, reducing dependency on traditional urban utilities and promoting a more resilient living environment.

Renewable Energy Integration

A notable aspect of the design is the service compartment area, which features external vanes that harness wind energy. This energy is converted into electricity, making the microhomes partially self-sufficient. Solar panels further enhance the energy supply, allowing residents to depend less on conventional electricity sources. This careful attention to renewable energy sources demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices.

Community Engagement

Urban farming plays an important role, encouraging residents to participate in food production. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also fosters connections between neighbors. By involving the community in shared tasks, the design cultivates a strong sense of belonging. Daily cooking is facilitated with systems that use stored electricity, while waste management solutions help convert food scraps into fertilizers for the urban farm.

Exercise areas equipped with spin bikes and treadmills add another layer to the living experience. These spaces promote health and wellness, allowing residents to stay active. Importantly, the equipment also generates energy that can be stored for later use. This integration of various elements creates a holistic living environment that addresses the needs of today's urban dwellers, emphasizing community, sustainability, and efficiency.

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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.

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