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Biosporin Insulation and Burnt Wood Create Sustainable Microhome Living

Authors:
Jovana Prijovic, Milica Cocic, Nina Stevovic
Biosporin Insulation and Burnt Wood Create Sustainable Microhome Living
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Using Biosporin insulation and charred wood, the microhome integrates sustainable materials to create an energy-neutral living space designed for modern comfort and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biosporin insulation reduces carbon footprints while enhancing thermal performance.
02
The burnt wood exterior minimizes maintenance needs and deters pests effectively.
03
Natural light is maximized through a large glass southern façade.
04
Foldable furniture enables efficient use of limited living space.
05
A rain drain chain system enhances water management and promotes landscape absorption.

The microhome residence offers a practical solution for those seeking a sustainable lifestyle. Located in diverse natural settings, it focuses on energy efficiency and effective use of space. The design prioritizes adaptability and aims to create a comfortable living environment while respecting the surrounding landscape.

Materiality

The building is primarily constructed from wood, chosen for its sustainable qualities and structural strength. The outer surface is clad with burnt wood, employing a traditional Japanese technique that enhances durability without the use of harmful chemicals. This process allows the wood to resist pests and weathering, contributing to the overall sustainability of the residence.

Insulation and Space Optimization

Biosporin serves as the insulation material, providing an ecological alternative to standard foam products. Made from the cultivation of specific fungi, Biosporin transforms wood waste into a polymer, improving energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions. Inside, the layout makes clever use of limited space, featuring adaptable furniture like foldable sofas with built-in tables, along with a gallery area that can function as a sleeping space.

Natural Light and Water Management

The design allows for abundant natural light through a glass façade on the southern side of the home. This technique brightens the interior and creates a welcoming atmosphere, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Water management is also a critical aspect; the residence uses a rain drain chain to effectively direct rainwater, allowing it to absorb into the soil rather than collecting as runoff.

Energy Efficiency

Solar panels installed on the roof provide renewable energy, contributing to the residence's goal of self-sufficiency. This addition demonstrates a commitment to energy conservation and complements the overall focus on sustainability. The design emphasizes functionality while addressing resource management, ensuring that daily needs are met without excessive waste.

The architectural expression of the microhome showcases a careful balance of textures and forms. The contrast between the burnt wood exterior and the transparent glass wall creates a harmonious relationship between the inside and outside. These details enhance the living experience, making it both practical and visually pleasing.

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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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