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Zero Mass Water Panels and SIP Construction in a Compact Micro-Home

Authors:
Joey Aoun, Milena Stojkovic
Zero Mass Water Panels and SIP Construction in a Compact Micro-Home
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Incorporating Zero Mass water panels and Structural Insulated Panels, this compact micro-home provides a sustainable living solution tailored for urban settings, addressing the housing needs of young professionals and the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates Zero Mass water panels for efficient humidity capture.
02
Designed with Structural Insulated Panels for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Transforms easily from a single space to designated functional areas.
04
Includes a multifunctional garden wall for outdoor storage and utility.
05
Strategically positioned to support intergenerational living arrangements.

Set within the urban landscape of London, the micro-home project addresses important housing challenges faced by young professionals and elderly citizens. It offers a practical living solution that fits well into existing residential areas while focusing on sustainability and affordability. The design centers around flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to the needs of the occupant, making it particularly suited for today's urban environment.

Adaptability

The micro-home is designed as a modular unit that can be transported easily in a cube container. This flexibility allows it to be placed in residential gardens, promoting intergenerational living. By doing this, the design supports both independence and close connections among family members. The layout is efficient, ensuring comfort without sacrificing important features.

Sustainability Features

The design aims for net-zero energy use by 2025. It uses a 3.8 kW photovoltaic system to meet seasonal energy needs, paired with two photovoltaic-thermal panels that produce both electricity and hot water. Sustainable water management is also a focus; Zero Mass Water Panels capture humidity for drinking water, while a rainwater collection system and greywater reuse add to the environmental benefits.

Functional Layout

The layout prioritizes functionality and comfort in a compact form. Open living spaces give residents the freedom to arrange their homes as they see fit. A standout feature is the transformable bathroom, which can serve multiple functions, making the most of the available space. Additionally, the garden wall serves as a practical storage solution for bicycles and gardening tools, enhancing the interaction between the home and outdoor environment.

Technological Integration

Smart technology plays an important role in this design, with a home hub and visual analytics dashboard included to help monitor energy use and environmental conditions. This integration allows residents to manage their living spaces more effectively.

The use of Structural Insulated Panels helps maintain thermal performance while reducing the overall carbon footprint. Such careful choices reinforce a commitment to sustainable living in the urban setting of London, highlighting how thoughtful design can create practical solutions for modern challenges.

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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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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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