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Bamboo Structure with off-Grid Solar Power and Sustainable Water Collection

Authors:
Sara Gomez Perez, Lucrezia Lora Moretto
Bamboo Structure with off-Grid Solar Power and Sustainable Water Collection
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Constructed from bamboo and designed for off-grid living, the structure employs solar panels and a rainwater collection system to provide sustainable housing solutions for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with bamboo for sustainability.
02
Operates completely off-grid with solar energy.
03
Features an integrated rainwater collection system.
04
Can function as a standalone unit or community hub.
05
Utilizes wood fiber insulation for enhanced thermal performance.

The Hive is located in urban areas where the cost of housing is too high for many young people. It aims to provide affordable living spaces without the heavy financial burden that often accompanies homeownership. The design focuses on sustainability, seeking to reduce environmental impact while maintaining practical functionality in a compact urban setting.

Sustainable Design

At the core of The Hive is its off-grid capability, which helps it operate independently. The building uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, supplying power for daily use. Additionally, it incorporates a rainwater collection system that gathers and stores water. This approach not only supports a sustainable lifestyle but also increases the building's resilience in an urban environment.

Community Integration

Flexibility is a key feature of The Hive. It can function as a single unit or as part of a larger community. This adaptability makes it ideal for vacant lots in cities, where additional housing is often needed. By integrating with existing neighborhoods, The Hive helps foster a sense of community and maximizes land use in densely populated areas.

Material Utilization

Material choices play an important role in The Hive's sustainability goals. The project includes a mix of materials that reflect an emphasis on resource efficiency. The use of 2 cm bamboo and 2 cm wood fiber insulation highlights a commitment to renewable resources. Structural integrity is provided by 1 cm OSB panels, while thermal performance is enhanced with a 3 mm vapor barrier and 8 cm wood fiber insulation.

Every detail of The Hive contributes to its overall purpose, combining function with natural materials. The thoughtful design results in a space that is both practical and welcoming.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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