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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in Sustainable Micro-Living Solutions

Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in Sustainable Micro-Living Solutions
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and an extensive green roof, the design emphasizes sustainable micro-living, effectively merging eco-friendly materials with functional residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features an extensive green roof to support biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Includes a flexible layout that adapts to both living and working needs.
05
Emphasizes natural light through strategically placed double-glazed windows.

## Overview

MicroHIVE is located in an urban setting designed to facilitate sustainable living while promoting community interaction. The project integrates residential and communal spaces within a compact framework, addressing the modern demand for adaptable environments that accommodate both work and leisure. The architectural intent focuses on enhancing the quality of life for inhabitants through flexible design, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and communal functionality.

## Spatial Arrangement

In MicroHIVE, spatial organization has been strategically devised to establish distinct identities for different areas while fostering interactions among residents. The structure is distributed across three levels:

- **Ground Floor**: This level features an open-plan layout, accommodating the kitchen, dining area, and a WC/Shower, fostering fluidity and connectivity.
- **First Floor**: Here, a versatile working area is integrated with living spaces, facilitating productivity alongside personal well-being.
- **Second Floor**: Dedicated to private sleeping quarters, this level maintains an open feel while ensuring comfort and privacy.

This organized arrangement promotes adaptability, allowing each space to evolve and serve multiple purposes as user needs change over time.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials in MicroHIVE is central to its sustainable design ethos. Key components include:

1. **Timber Cladding**: Employed on the exterior, enhancing thermal efficiency and contributing to visual aesthetics.
2. **Double Glazed Windows**: Designed to optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption, thereby improving indoor comfort.
3. **Natural Wood Finishes**: Used throughout the interior to aid sound absorption and create a warm ambiance.
4. **Solar Tiles**: Positioned on the roof to generate renewable energy, enhancing the building's self-sufficiency.

Additionally, MicroHIVE incorporates several sustainability features, including a solar battery and heat pump system for energy efficiency, an extensive green roof for temperature regulation and outdoor space, and water management systems that promote conservation efforts. These elements not only minimize the ecological footprint but also define a cohesive aesthetic within the project.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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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.

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

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