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Breathable Damp Membrane and Glulam Framework in Sustainable Housing Solution

Author:
Adam Mark Fiegler
Breathable Damp Membrane and Glulam Framework in Sustainable Housing Solution
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Utilizing a GLULAM framework and breathable damp membrane, the design showcases a sustainable housing solution that effectively reuses materials while adapting to diverse living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a GLULAM framework for enhanced structural stability.
02
Incorporates a breathable damp membrane for improved indoor air quality.
03
Features modular components that allow easy reconfiguration.
04
Maximizes energy efficiency with FSC certified plywood insulation.
05
Designed for a maximum usable area of 100 square meters.

The Modular Home offers a thoughtful response to the increasing need for sustainable and flexible living spaces. Located in an environment that values ecological responsibility, the design emphasizes principles of modularity and a circular economy. By turning waste materials into useful building components, it presents a practical solution for modern housing demands, allowing occupants to personalize their spaces easily.

Design Concept

The concept behind the Modular Home focuses on integrating recycling processes within the construction method. The aim is to minimize waste by reusing discarded materials as essential building elements. The layout allows for various configurations, making the space adaptable to different living conditions. Components can be assembled and disassembled with relative ease, supporting users who need to adjust their homes as their lifestyles change.

Materials

Key materials play an important role in shaping the performance and aesthetics of the Modular Home. The roof is made from a Greencoat steel sheet, along with a breathable damp membrane that protects the interior from harsh weather. Inside, the use of FSC certified plywood and wood fiber insulation helps achieve energy efficiency and comfort. Timber flooring, sourced from DINESEN, is installed in the ground floor, while sound insulation is added to address noise reduction, reflecting a focus on both practicality and sustainability.

Structural Elements

The structure relies on a foundation beam made of GLULAM for strength and stability. The design incorporates up to 100 square meters of usable space. This area includes essential rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, all of which can be tailored to meet individual needs. Windows constructed from recycled timber frames and fitted with double-glazed panels improve the home's thermal performance, curbing energy consumption and enhancing comfort.

Functional Adaptability

One important feature of the Modular Home is its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its users. The design allows for modifications, making it easy to personalize while ensuring the structure remains strong. As users' preferences evolve or new technologies are developed, the various components can be reconfigured, allowing the home to remain relevant for years to come.

A notable detail is the combination of materials in the insulation and protective layers. This layered approach fosters a balance between the home's appearance and its functional efficiency, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

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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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