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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Hydroponics in Sustainable Micro-Housing for Urban Resilience

Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Hydroponics in Sustainable Micro-Housing for Urban Resilience
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Modular housing units constructed with charred wooden shingles and integrated hydroponic systems offer sustainable living solutions that empower urban Latino communities in Houston.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexible configurations based on community needs.
02
Hydroponic systems are integrated for on-site food production.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance.
04
Bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Sustainable materials prioritize environmental impact and local sourcing.

**Project Overview**
The Biophilia Refuge is situated in underserved Latino communities of Houston, particularly in areas affected by environmental challenges, such as Harrisburg and Manchester. The design framework aims to improve living conditions through a micro-housing initiative that incorporates biophilic principles, focusing on integrating nature within the urban environment and fostering community connectivity. The project seeks to revitalize local spaces while emphasizing sustainability and social equity in response to the specific needs of the population it serves.

**Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement**
The spatial organization of the Biophilia Refuge centers on fostering connections among residents. Each housing unit is modular, allowing for adaptation to the varying needs of occupants. The layout features interconnected clusters that support community interaction while maintaining functional privacy. These micro-housing units are designed to maximize utility in compact footprints, reducing environmental impact and enhancing livability.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**
Material choices are critical to the project's environmental performance and aesthetic quality. The use of wood for structural elements provides a renewable resource that contributes warmth to the design. Large glass windows are incorporated to facilitate natural light and ventilation, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces. Metal frameworks support green infrastructure, ensuring durability alongside sustainability. Key sustainable strategies include solar energy systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and hydroponic gardening systems that allow residents to cultivate food while practicing efficient water management.

This comprehensive approach results in a resilient community structure that prioritizes health, well-being, and adaptability, offering a potential model for similar urban interventions.

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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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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