Innovative Microhome Redefines Sustainable Living in Punjab

A new microhome designed by architects Aleksa Milojevic and Matthew W Wilde is making waves in sustainable living by actively replenishing groundwater while providing a comfortable living space. Located in Punjab, India—an area grappling with severe groundwater depletion due to intensive farming—this innovative structure, known as Living on Groundwater, is a response to pressing environmental challenges.

Redefining Microhomes as Environmental Solutions

Spanning just 25 square meters, Living on Groundwater is not only a compact dwelling but also a model for environmental stewardship. The microhome incorporates an integrated system for harvesting rainwater and employs greywater recycling. It features an on-site injection well that returns treated water back to the aquifer, establishing it as a hydro-positive housing model. This means it contributes more to the environment than it consumes, effectively reframing the concept of microhomes from mere shelters to essential ecological infrastructure.

The design blends seamlessly with the Punjab agricultural landscape, elevated on a timber frame to minimize ground disturbance. This thoughtful elevation allows for natural water flow, air movement, and vegetation growth beneath the home, ensuring that the earth remains functional and uncompressed, unlike traditional foundations which often seal off the ground.

Thoughtful Design Meets Practical Functionality

The home’s permeable facade invites natural light and integrates the surrounding environment into its ambiance. Its design responds to seasonal changes, offering shade and ventilation during the hot summer months, while capturing warmth and light in the cooler seasons.

Inside, the microhome utilizes a loft-style sleeping area, freeing up the ground level for living and working. This design maximizes the compact 269 square feet of space, featuring modular cabinetry and convertible work surfaces that adapt to residents’ needs. Prefabricated walls and roof assemblies allow for replication across various rural contexts without compromising functionality or environmental benefits.

The brilliance of this design was recognized when Living on Groundwater secured first prize in the Kingspan-funded MICROHOME #10 competition organized by Buildner. The project received €20,000 and accolades from an international jury, which praised its “technically sophisticated integration of building systems, local ecology, and water resilience.” The judges emphasized that this microhome is more than just a low-impact dwelling; it serves as an active agent in environmental repair.

The project’s development involved in-depth research into Indian agricultural history, conducted during a seminar at Yale University. This collaborative effort ensured the design truly addresses the unique challenges faced by the region, rather than imposing a generic solution.

As global housing pressures continue to escalate due to climate change, rising construction costs, and demographic shifts, Living on Groundwater presents a compelling vision for the future. It exemplifies how small-scale architecture can be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional—compact yet livable, modern yet warm, and sustainable without sacrificing comfort.

This microhome serves as a reminder that the most effective solutions stem from a thorough understanding of the problems at hand, highlighting the importance of designing in harmony with nature.