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Carbon-Ceramic Modules with Vibration Energy Harvesting in Compact Urban Housing

Author:
Andrew Mitchell
Carbon-Ceramic Modules with Vibration Energy Harvesting in Compact Urban Housing
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Utilizing carbon-ceramic materials and advanced vibration energy harvesting, this modular design redefines urban housing efficiency while promoting sustainability and adaptability for diverse living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carbon-ceramic materials enhance durability and energy performance.
02
Vibration energy harvesting technology captures energy from environmental movements.
03
Hexagonal design optimizes natural light and ventilation across all units.
04
Modular configuration allows for easy stacking and reconfiguration of living spaces.
05
Smart energy storage systems manage generated energy for improved efficiency.

### Project Overview

Hexagon Homes features a modular, prefabricated design intended to provide efficient living solutions while prioritizing sustainability. The project employs advanced materials and technologies to create a hexagonal arrangement of living spaces that can be adapted to various settings, thereby enhancing both aesthetic merit and environmental functionality.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The unique hexagonal layout of the homes maximizes spatial efficiency and encourages a strong sense of community. Each unit is designed to be independent or to integrate with others, facilitating scalable urban development. This configuration allows for diverse internal layouts, enhancing natural light and ventilation across all units. The design also supports a system of interchangeable components, enabling homeowners to modify living spaces according to their needs over time.

### Material Innovation and Energy Efficiency

The project incorporates sustainable materials such as activated carbon and carbon-fused ceramics, which enhance structural durability and energy efficiency. Additionally, features like aluminum oxy nitride glass windows provide enhanced security and insulation, making them suitable for urban environments. The integration of renewable energy systems—including solar panels, vibration energy harvesting, and wind turbines—ensures that each dwelling can efficiently generate its own energy, progressively reducing reliance on external power sources. This approach promotes a circular building practice by focusing on recyclability while minimizing environmental impact.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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