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Charred Wooden Shingles and Energy-Efficient Insulation in a Compact Living Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Energy-Efficient Insulation in a Compact Living Space
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and energy-efficient insulation, this compact microhome redefines modern living by seamlessly integrating sustainability with multifunctional spaces tailored for remote work.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space and natural light.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
05
Designed with modular furniture to adapt to various living and work scenarios.

### Project Overview
Located within an urban context that caters to the growing needs of remote workers, the microhome design emphasizes minimalism, sustainability, and adaptability. Occupying 25 square meters, the structure serves as a multifunctional space supporting both living and working activities. The intent is to cultivate a harmonious relationship between occupants and their environment, focusing on ecological responsibility while accommodating the diverse lifestyles of modern users.

### Spatial Flexibility
The microhome’s interior layout is strategically divided into zones that facilitate various modes of living, including personal leisure, shared activities, and work-related functions. This spatial strategy allows occupants to transition smoothly between different uses throughout the day. Dedicated areas for essential services—kitchen, bathroom, and laundry—are incorporated without sacrificing privacy, aligning with the preferences of young professionals seeking efficient and multifunctional living solutions. The design illustrates the versatility of the space through distinct living scenarios such as meal preparation, work tasks, and relaxation, showcasing its adaptability to users' changing needs.

### Material Sustainability
The selection of materials prioritizes both sustainability and aesthetic cohesion. Key components include Kingspan Quadcore Carrier for thermal insulation and structural integrity, Troditek Acoustic Ceiling Tile to improve acoustics, and a Slim-line Rainwater Harvesting Tank for water reuse. Additionally, the Drif-Design Cassette System enhances architectural flexibility while promoting visual continuity, and the Logi Bearing Structure provides a robust framework. These materials have been chosen for their environmental benefits as well as their capacity to create a coherent living environment that meets contemporary functional and aesthetic standards.

The design strategy further emphasizes natural light through the inclusion of large windows, drawing in outdoor vistas and reinforcing a connection to the surrounding environment. Sliding doors, green roofs, and the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, reflect a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint while enhancing user experience.

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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

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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.

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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MICROHOME 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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