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A Community-Centered Microhome Cluster with Shared Living Spaces

Authors:
Francisca Mejia, Sofia Gomez, Hsuan-jen Hou
A Community-Centered Microhome Cluster with Shared Living Spaces
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With bamboo canopies and integrated aquaponics systems, the microhomes on Siargao Island offer a sustainable solution for community living that prioritizes both ecological resilience and social connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo canopies enhance natural ventilation and light in the homes.
02
Aquaponics systems support food production within the community.
03
Cantilevered designs create unique outdoor communal spaces.
04
Locally sourced materials reduce environmental impact and support the economy.
05
Transformable spaces adapt to the diverse needs of residents.

Located on Siargao Island in the Philippines, the microhome proposal seeks to respond to the challenges faced by those exiting urban areas. It creates a living environment that emphasizes community and connection with nature. The design includes a series of interconnected homes that focus on shared spaces for social interaction. By integrating sustainable practices, the microhomes aim to provide a balanced lifestyle for residents, appealing to those looking for refuge from city life.

Community Integration
The idea promotes a strong sense of community by clustering the microhomes together. This layout encourages residents to interact and form bonds, fostering a deeper connection among neighbors. Communal areas function as gathering spots, where individuals can come together to share experiences. The arrangement supports a lifestyle that values both privacy and togetherness, allowing residents to enjoy their personal spaces while being part of a vibrant community.

Sustainability Practices
Each home incorporates off-grid solar power, allowing residents to harness renewable energy and reduce reliance on external sources. Additionally, aquaponics systems are integrated, enabling residents to grow their own food sustainably. These initiatives highlight the project’s commitment to creating a community that cares for the environment while meeting the basic needs of its residents.

Material Use
Materials play an important role in the overall design. The project utilizes locally sourced resources, including bamboo, sawali, nipa, and concrete. These choices reflect traditional Filipino building methods while ensuring durability and functionality. The use of local materials reduces the environmental impact and helps the homes blend into the natural landscape, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and culturally relevant design.

Design Features
The upper floor of each microhome features a cantilevered design that extends outward to enhance community interaction. It invites plenty of natural light and fresh air, creating comfortable living spaces. The interiors are arranged with flexibility in mind, including kitchens and bathrooms that cater to various lifestyle needs throughout the day. Large openings connect the living spaces with outdoor areas, encouraging residents to appreciate their surroundings.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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