The planet's average surface temperature has risen by circa 1.5 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by human-made emissions. Scientists predict global temperatures will continue to rise and extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, blizzards and rainstorms will occur more often and with greater intensity. 

With the planet’s climate warming, our homes will need to respond to these changing conditions as will our behaviour in relation to how we grow food/harvest and consume water and energy. When looking for solutions, human-designed responses tend to exacerbate emissions by depleting finite materials and energy supplies. Natural processes on the other hand rely on unique geometry and material properties which allow them to respond sustainably and in solidarity with all life on earth. Learning from nature has been fundamental in our approach to the microhouse. The aim has been to draw inspiration from its forms, processes and ecosystems to create a more responsive and self-sufficient design. Two plants in particular have inspired us due to their capacity to acclimate to changes in environmental conditions - cacti and algae.