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A Sustainable Timber Shelter with Recycled Water System and Modular Sleeping Pods

Authors:
Maged El Sadek, Romain Kündig
A Sustainable Timber Shelter with Recycled Water System and Modular Sleeping Pods
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Modular sleeping pods stacked to maximize space and an innovative recycled water system characterize a sustainable timber shelter designed to serve cyclists and travelers along the EuroVelo 6 route.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units adapt to various traveler's needs.
02
Posts as foundation reduce material usage.
03
Solar panels provide independent energy source.
04
Water management reuses resources for toilets.
05
Stacked sleeping pods enhance views and ventilation.

La petite reine is an architectural design located along the EuroVelo 6 route, which passes through several European countries. The project focuses on creating modular and flexible shelter units tailored to the needs of travelers and local communities. The design emphasizes a blend of communal living and environmental responsibility, featuring elements that encourage interaction while providing essential services.

Design Concept

The main idea centers on a modular structure that uses posts as its foundation. These posts consist of two planks, allowing for various configurations that can adapt to different locations. This design approach reduces the amount of material needed, while giving users the ability to choose dimensions, heights, and roof slopes that work best for their environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The self-contained units within the design can accommodate four guests. Each unit includes toilets, showers, and shared spaces, which make efficient use of limited area. There is also a covered zone underneath the main structure for bicycle storage and maintenance, enhancing its practical functionality.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Solar panels are integrated into the roof, providing thermal and photovoltaic energy for the shelter. This feature allows the structure to operate somewhat independently from external power sources. A water management system is included, enabling the reuse of water from showers and dishwashing for toilet use, thus helping to reduce waste. The design also taps into a nearby river to source water, storing it in a reservoir on the roof.

Interior and Communal Spaces

Inside, the sleeping pods are stacked in pairs, with each pod offering views through round windows. Personal power outlets and lighting improve comfort for guests. The open staircase not only serves a functional purpose but also allows for ventilation, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The communal living area can be adapted for different uses based on local climate and preferences, promoting a shared sense of community among users.

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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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