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SMART Grid-Free Home Design Competition
aims to redefine the future of sustainable housing. This competition challenges participants to design a self-sufficient home that is completely off-grid, built with locally available materials, and constructed using local skills.
With focus on energy independence, water sustainability, and eco-friendly architecture, the objective is to create homes that are not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable for rural communities and farmers.
Participate & Shape the future of off-grid living!
Who can participate?
Individuals or Teams can participate
(max 5 members)
Team members can come from any vocations
Registration fees
Rs. 200/-
Design Brief
Budget
-
Total Project Cost: ₹90 Lakhs (INR)
Includes all materials, construction, labor, technology, and service infrastructure.
Suggested Location
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Chandgaon, Shrigonda Tehsil, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
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Coordinates -
18.565887038829306, 74.78528796469794
(Note: The site location is purely indicative to help you visualize climate and terrain; physical visits are not permitted as it may be private property.) -
Use site conditions (climate, sun path, wind) in your design
Target Family Structure
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2 adults (husband-wife)
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2 grandparents
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2 children
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2 guests (temporary)
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4 dairy animals (space for shelter and management)
Climate Responsiveness
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Maximize natural light and ventilation
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Thermal comfort through passive design
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Use green roofing or shading as appropriate
Farm Integration
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Plan for home gardens, medicinal plants, and fodder plots
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Include vermicompost, compost pits, or agri-waste recycling zones
Architecture & Construction
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Use locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.
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Employ local construction skills and traditional wisdom
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Focus on durability, safety, and low maintenanc
Energy Independence
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Off-grid only - No grid connection
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Incorporate feasible renewable energy systems
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Solar (PV and thermal)
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Wind (if technically viable for the location)
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Biogas (animal dung, kitchen waste)
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Water Sustainability
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Rainwater harvesting system
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Greywater recycling for gardening
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Borewell or handpump as backup
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Storage planning for drought resilience
Security & Tech
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Rural-appropriate smart features for:
- CCTV, fencing, burglar alarms, emergencies
- Livestock and crop monitoring
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Solar-powered remote monitoring
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Central hardware console for:
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Utility management (energy, water)
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Inventory & weather data
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Pump scheduling, alerts, and more
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Submission could include
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Master Plan with layout and orientation
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Floor plans, elevation, and sections
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Landscape plan (including plantation strategy)
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Energy and water flow diagrams
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Cost estimate (item-wise)
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Justification of material and design choices
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(Optional) 3D renders or walkthrough
Winner’s
announcement
15
Nov
Winners display at
KISAN 2025 and Prize distribution
10-14
Dec
Online registration for
the contest begins
1
Jul
Schedule
23
Sep
Last date to register and
submit your designs
Announcement of
shortlisted entries
19
Oct
Announcement of
shortlisted entries
Shortlisted
participants
have been notified.
Check your email
for details.
Video Submission for
Shortlisted entries
7 Oct
to
7 Nov
Jury interaction session
(Virtual)
18-30
Oct
Online Voting for Farmer's Choice designs will be active
10 Nov
to
5 Dec
Prizes
Champion
Rs. 50,000
Winners will get a cash prize and a stall space to showcase their idea to 2 lakh farmers at KISAN 2025.
Farmer's Choice Award
Rs. 10,000 to Top 3
All the award winning entries will be displayed on screen during KISAN Exhibition.
1st Runner up
Rs. 30,000
Shortlisted design videos will be shared on
our Digital platform.
KISAN visitors will vote to choose top 3 designs
2nd Runner up
Rs. 20,000
Terms and conditions
1. Eligibility
-
The contest is open to all. (Individual or team)
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Participants may submit multiple entries, provided that each entry is submitted under a separate registration.
2. Submission Requirements
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Concept Presentation: A detailed report (PDF) explaining the design, materials, and energy efficiency strategy.
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Visual Representation: Rendered images, blueprints, or sketches.
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Technical Feasibility: Proof of concept for smart technologies and energy systems.
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Sustainability Focus: Explanation of how the design minimizes environmental impact.
3. Video Submission
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Shortlisted entries (to be announced on 20th Sept) can submit a 90-second video presentation explaining
their design. The video should be in MP4 format with a 9:16 aspect ratio, 24 frames per second. -
Language for the video should be Marathi or English (Marathi subtitles in case of English audio and vice versa)
4. Judging Criteria
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Innovation & Originality (30%)
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Aesthetic & Functionality (25%)
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Impact & Relevance (25%)
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Sustainability/ Ethics Consideration (15%)
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Execution Quality/ Attention to details (5%)
5. Open Access through Creative Commons
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All designs submitted as part of the KISAN Design Quest will be made available under a creative commons license, allowing them to be freely shared, adapted, and used by the farming community.
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This approach ensures that your ideas can create real impact on the ground — helping farmers, makers, and innovators build upon them — while credit is always given to the original creators.
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By participating, you agree to share your design under this license, contributing to an open-source movement for rural innovation.
6. General Terms
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The organisers reserves the right to modify or cancel the contest at any time.
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Registration fee is non-refundable amount.
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Any form of plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
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The judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
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By participating, contestants agree to these terms and conditions.
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