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Writer's pictureNoura Bishay

EcoHarmony by NPB Design Studio: The Oasis of Sustainable Micro-Communities

Imagine a home that not only shelters you but also becomes part of the solution for a more compassionate, sustainable world. This is the heartbeat behind NPB Design Studio  ’s submission to the Microhome Award: the Sustainable, Inclusive, and Off-Grid Micro-home. Crafted with empathy and responsibility, this micro-home concept offers hope for the future, addressing pressing environmental and social challenges with thoughtful design. It’s not just about housing—it's about creating a sanctuary that connects us to nature, community, and purpose.



EcoHarmony by NPB Design Studio


A Vision Rooted in Passion and Purpose

This micro-home concept isn’t just innovative; it’s personal. Each element is chosen to create a lifestyle of harmony with nature. As we face the realities of climate change, resource scarcity, and housing inequality, NPB Design Studio’s micro-home brings hope. It’s a bold invitation to live more intentionally, to seek a life that aligns with values of stewardship, inclusivity, and resilience.



EcoHarmony by NPB Design Studio


Thoughtful, Sustainable Design: Creating a Sense of Belonging and Security

  • Eco-Friendly Materials and Design Imagine the feeling of walking into a home where every material tells a story of respect for the earth. Locally sourced, recycled, and renewable materials bring a sense of grounding and connection to nature. The advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and passive solar design make each micro-home feel like a cozy, secure nest that holds warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer, creating a tangible sense of comfort and care.

  • Renewable Energy and Resourceful Living Knowing that your home generates its own clean energy brings peace of mind and a sense of autonomy. Solar panels, a kinetic energy system, and a bio-gas toilet all work together to reduce carbon footprint and dependence on external resources. Every drop of rain harvested, every ounce of waste composted, and every watt of energy generated represents a triumph for the planet—a chance to live a life that gives back more than it takes.

  • Water Conservation as a Promise to Future Generations Water is precious, and the rainwater harvesting system, Kingspan Dri-Design Cassette System, and greywater recycling make each drop count. Picture yourself using water that has been collected from the sky above, knowing you’re contributing to a future where water is cherished and responsibly managed. Through hydroponics and drip irrigation systems, the home nurtures life, bringing beauty and abundance right to your doorstep.



Thoughtful Cost Efficiency: Making Dreams Accessible

At NPB Design Studio, we believe everyone deserves a chance to experience sustainable living, regardless of their financial background. This belief drives our innovative, cost-saving design. The quadplex configuration, where up to four micro-homes share walls, is a practical solution that reduces costs, yet it’s so much more than that. It symbolizes the spirit of shared living and community, where resources are used wisely, and connections are nurtured.

Imagine not only saving on construction costs but also experiencing the emotional comfort of a stable, efficiently heated home. By stacking units vertically, each quadplex fosters a compact neighborhood that celebrates community while optimizing land.



The Micro-home Community: A Place to Belong

Our community layout is designed to be a haven of connectivity, with spaces that support both individual growth and collective well-being:


  1. Quadplex Units: Picture yourself in a neighborhood of 15 quadplexes with three floors each, forming a tapestry of homes that embrace 180 individuals seeking a simpler, more conscious lifestyle. Each quadplex feels like a cluster of family, where you’re close to others who share your values.

  2. Hydroponic Towers and Gardens: These towers don’t just grow plants—they nourish souls. There’s a quiet joy in knowing that your food is grown right beside your home, untouched by harmful chemicals and sustained by your community's shared efforts. The rows of leafy greens and vibrant tomatoes become a symbol of hope, nourishment, and connection to the earth.

  3. Beehives and Community Pond: Life buzzes and flows all around. The beehives support pollination, while the pond teems with fish, bringing nature’s cycles into everyday life. Knowing your honey and fish come from the very space you live in cultivates gratitude and appreciation for the ecosystem that sustains you.

  4. Shared Spaces (Store, Clinic, Community Center): At the heart of the community lies a shared center—a place where needs are met and connections are strengthened. Here, neighbors gather, children play, and friendships flourish. These shared spaces become more than amenities; they are places to laugh, learn, and lean on each other.

  5. Eco-Friendly Transportation: With designated spaces for electric vehicles and bikes, this community encourages a lifestyle that’s in tune with the environment. The convenience of these eco-friendly options inspires pride in making choices that positively impact the world.

  6. Solar Farm and Biogas System: The adjacent solar farm and bio-gas system remind each resident of the community’s shared commitment to sustainable living. These aren’t just utilities—they are symbols of self-sufficiency, resilience, and dedication to a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.



EcoHarmony by NPB Design Studio


Compact Design, Boundless Community Spirit

In a world where space can be a luxury, this compact, thoughtfully designed community offers more than just rooms and walls; it creates a web of connections. Every corner, every shared wall, and every green space fosters a sense of belonging, making each resident feel part of something meaningful.


Living with Purpose and Passion

The Sustainable, Inclusive, and Off-Grid Micro-home by NPB Design Studio is more than a building—it’s a place of renewal, inspiration, and joy. It invites each resident to live a life that cares for the earth, connects with others, and contributes to a better world. This micro-home isn’t just a project; it’s a mission, a journey, and a heartfelt offering to a future filled with possibility.

As NPB Design Studio continues to reimagine housing, we do so with a deep belief in the power of compassionate design. Our submission to the Microhome Award isn’t simply an entry; it’s a call to action for a world that lives lighter, loves deeper, and embraces a life in harmony with the planet.




NPB Design Studio's Sustainable, Inclusive, and Off-Grid Micro-home is more than a housing model; it’s a vision of purposeful living aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This micro-home addresses critical goals for global progress: No PovertyZero HungerGood Health and Well-beingClean Water and SanitationAffordable and Clean EnergyIndustry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSustainable Cities and CommunitiesResponsible Consumption and ProductionClimate ActionLife on Land and Partnerships for the Goals.

This project not only addresses immediate housing needs but offers a replicable, sustainable model for communities worldwide, bridging today’s challenges with a hopeful future.

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