A proposal converting McMansions into biofilter water treatment plants took top prize in the Reburbia Design Competition. Sponsored by Inhabitat (www.inhabitat.com) and Dwell magazine, the competition challenged architects and designers to address problems facing present-day suburbia.

The grand prize of $1,000 went to Calvin Chiu for “Frog’s Dream: McMansions Turned into Biofilter Water Treatment Plants,” a proposal that converts abandoned suburban tract homes into manmade wetland areas (rendered above).

More information on the grand prize winner, as well as second- and third-place proposals and a People’s Choice winner are available online at www.re-burbia.com.