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Biodigester and Greywater Recycling in a Compact Timber Residence

Author:
Vik Devicheva
Biodigester and Greywater Recycling in a Compact Timber Residence
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Incorporating greywater recycling and a biodigester, this compact timber residence maximizes sustainability while efficiently serving as a functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Murphy bed integrates storage solutions, enhancing space efficiency.
02
Attic space provides additional storage while minimizing clutter.
03
Greywater recycling system reduces water consumption by 45%.
04
Biodigester converts waste into energy, promoting sustainability.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and thermal performance.

The residential design integrates living and utility spaces with an emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. The layout accommodates modern lifestyles by combining different areas, fostering a practical yet comfortable atmosphere. The focus is on maximizing space while ensuring functionality and ease of use.

Living and Utility Space Integration
- The design strategically positions a living area next to a utility room, optimizing the available square footage without sacrificing comfort. Within the living area, a Murphy bed incorporates storage on all sides, allowing for flexible use throughout the day. This adaptability ensures the space can transition smoothly between social gatherings and restful nights.

Vertical Space Utilization
- An attic has been included for additional storage, making effective use of vertical space. This aspect helps minimize clutter in the main living areas, allowing for cleaner lines and better organization. It also enables residents to store rarely used items, making daily life more manageable.

Sustainable Water Management
- A notable feature is the greywater recycling system known as Hydraloop. This technology aims to reduce water use by around 45%. The plumbing layout is methodically planned, with separate lines for black, cold, grey, and hot water. This detailed planning improves efficiency and aligns with current environmental considerations, highlighting a commitment to responsible resource use.

Energy Efficiency and Materials
- The design includes an electrical combi boiler powered by solar energy, as well as a biodigester anaerobic tank for waste conversion into energy. These components work together to lower the environmental impact while meeting energy needs. The selected materials include EQUITONE fibre cement for the facade, Gutex Multitherm board, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) in five layers. These choices contribute to the building's structural strength and thermal performance.

Drawing further on sustainability, a shower recirculation system allows for the reuse of up to 90% of shower water. This detail emphasizes the thoughtful approach to managing resources throughout the design.

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

`
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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