# Hydro-Positive Microhomes Living on Groundwater Rewires a 25 M² Residence to Recharge Aquifers By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-on-groundwater References: [aleksamilojevic](https://www.aleksamilojevic.com/)  Living on Groundwater is a 25 square metre [prefabricated microhome](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hirondelle-tiny-house) designed by New York-based architects Aleksa Milojevic and Matthew W Wilde that actively contributes to [groundwater replenishment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/10m) while inhabited. The compact dwelling integrates systems to harvest rainwater, recycle greywater, and direct treated water back into the aquifer through an on-site injection well, positioning residents as participants in local water resilience efforts. The home sits on a raised timber frame that minimises ground compaction and allows natural soil and vegetation processes to continue beneath the structure. A permeable façade mediates light and ventilation, and the plan incorporates a lofted sleeping zone to keep the main floor open for living and working functions.  The microhome won first prize in the Kingspan-funded MICROHOME #10 competition organised by Buildner, recognised for its integration of building systems, ecological response, and water management within a compact form. [Modular cabinetry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hibertec-homes) and convertible work surfaces support flexible use of interior space, while prefabricated wall and roof assemblies enable adaptation to different rural contexts Image Credit: Aleksa Milojevic and Matthew W Wilde ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 61% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Water-replenishing Architecture:** Architectural designs that contribute to groundwater replenishment are emerging, integrating rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to boost local water resilience. - **Microhome Modularity:** The trend of modular cabinetry and convertible spaces in microhomes is driving flexible living solutions that adapt to various functional needs within compact spaces. - **Permeable Construction Materials:** Using permeable materials in building façades promotes natural ventilation and light management while reducing environmental impact. ### Where This Applies - **Sustainable Architecture:** The industry is transforming with designs that integrate ecological responses and sustainable systems, as seen in innovations like groundwater-replenishing microhomes. - **Prefabricated Housing:** Prefabricated design technology is evolving to meet diverse living contexts with efficient and adaptable building assemblies. - **Water Management Systems:** Advancements in water management are being realized through residential design, incorporating technologies that recycle and reintegrate water back into natural systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Integrated Power Banks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ugreen-magflow.md) - [London Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peekablue.md) - [Miniature Photo Display Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autoheart-picpak-digital-frame.md) - [Equine New Year Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luminox-carbonox-year-of-the-horse-limited-edition.md) - [Modular Magnetic Pill Organizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modobloom-pill-organizer.md) - [Alcohol-Free Members Clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maze-nyc.md) - [Linear Lighting Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwire.md) - [Anniversary Mechanical Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ksk-beams.md) - [Rural Guesthouse Renovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-catcher.md)