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Charred Wood and Bamboo Crafting Efficient off-Grid Living

Authors:
Enrico Della Guerra, Silvia Pratelli, Alessia Marcucci
Charred Wood and Bamboo Crafting Efficient off-Grid Living
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Charred wood planks and bamboo provide a sustainable foundation for an efficient off-grid living space designed to maximize natural light and connection to the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique charred wood exterior enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Bamboo interior promotes sustainability while optimizing natural materials.
03
Rainwater collection system integrates efficiently with the overall design.
04
Large windows maximize daylight and foster a connection with nature.
05
Fully prefabricated for easy transport to diverse locations.

Micro Habitat presents a compact and efficient solution for modern living, responding to the growing need for sustainable housing. The design focuses on functionality and self-sufficiency while maintaining a connection to the natural environment. It features a prefabricated 25 square meter structure built for off-grid living, incorporating systems suitable for contemporary requirements.

Architectural Concept

The design emphasizes an open and spacious feel, achieved through high ceilings and large windows. This approach allows natural light to fill the interior, enhancing the perception of space and reducing the need for artificial lighting. The arrangement of living spaces is practical, catering to essential daily activities while fitting within a limited footprint.

Sustainability Features

An important aspect of the concept is the integration of a rainwater collection system and solar panels. These features support the goal of self-sufficiency, allowing residents to rely less on conventional utilities. Water tanks and solar equipment are thoughtfully placed on the roof, optimizing their functionality and helping to minimize the environmental impact of the home.

Material Choices

Materials were chosen to align with the project's sustainable vision. The exterior uses charred wood planks for durability, while the interior incorporates bamboo and porcelain stoneware. These materials contribute to an organic atmosphere. Large glass panels are also included, promoting a connection between inside and outside.

Transportability

The design showcases the advantages of prefabrication in meeting housing demands. Fully assembled units can be easily transported, offering flexibility in placement across various urban or rural environments. The approach reflects current trends favoring minimalistic living, while still providing comfort and environmental responsibility.

Natural light filters through the expansive windows, creating a living space that changes throughout the day, making it not just a home but a living experience that evolves in rhythm with the sun.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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