Let It Pour: 9 Rainwater Harvesting and Collection Systems That Provide Clean, Potable Water - The longstanding water crisis in California has turned our attention to structural features that can minimize a home's impact on the environment — but this time, things might get a little wet. Rather than depending solely on a region's public water supply, incorporating rainwater harvesting and collection systems can provide a supplemental source of water for drinking (the quality is often better than surface water), cleaning, irrigation, and bathing.
For homes located in remote areas, or in times of drought, rainwater harvesting systems can become the main water supply, if enough rainwater is properly stored. Homes with rainwater harvesting systems often use slightly pitched roofs to filter rainwater into storm pipes, which feed into large cisterns underground for storage and later use.
The benefits of rainwater harvesting systems go beyond just use in the home, helping to reduce storm water runoff, erosion, and contamination of water surfaces with pesticides. Scroll through to see beautifully designed homes that collect rainwater for everyday uses, thereby reducing their impact on the environment.
OutSide In House by Fernanda Vuilleumier Studio, Puerto Natales, Chile
This wooden home's pitched roof functions like a wind sail to make air flow in one direction and capture rainwater for storage.
Shishiodoshi House by Avignon-Clouet Architecture, Rezé, France
To comply with local plans, an aluminum overhang collects rainwater, activating a Japanese-style fountain that filters water to a retention pool.
Cascading Creek House by Bercy Chen Studio LP, USA
The roof structure is configured to provide a natural basin for the collection of rainwater. The water, electricity, and heat that are harvested on the roof tie into an extensive climate conditioning system that utilizes water source heat pumps and radiant loops to supply both the heating and cooling for the residence.
Hilltop House by Richard Cole Architecture, Australia
The Hilltop House is naturally ventilated, uses energy-efficient LED lighting and collects and recycles rainwater on the roof.
Tucson Mountain Retreat by D U S T, Tucson, AZ
Rooted in the desert, where water is always scarce, the design incorporates a generous 30,000 gallon rainwater harvesting system with an advanced filtration system.
Cape Russell Retreat by Sanders Pace Architecture, Sharps Chapel, USA
A butterfly roof directs and delivers rainwater to a collection cistern located beside the home, while an internal charcoal filter and ultraviolet light treat the water for potable use.
Eco-Sustainable Antony House by Djuric Tardio Architectes, Antony, France
This eco-friendly home's recovery of rainwater is used to water the gardens and planters, allowing its homeowners to cultivate aromatic plants and gardens without over-consuming the public water supply.
Good Residence by Crone Partners Architecture Studios, Sandringham, Australia
A 20,000-liter rain water storage tank was installed below the ground for reuse in toilet flushing and irrigation.
House in the Countryside by Herreros Arquitectos, Arta, Spain
A two-slope roof not only gives this home a distinct crown, but it also collects rainwater and filters it to a cistern for storage.
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