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Charred Wooden Shingles and Polycarbonate Panels in Sustainable Compact Living Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Polycarbonate Panels in Sustainable Compact Living Spaces
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and transparent polycarbonate panels, the design promotes energy efficiency and sustainable living while maximizing interaction with the surrounding landscape in a compact, multifunctional home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features large polycarbonate panels that maximize natural light while providing insulation.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote water conservation and self-sufficiency.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to improve aerodynamics and snow shedding in snowy climates.

### Project Overview
The Microhome design project comprises two models: Microhome Large and Microhome Small, aimed at addressing the demand for sustainable, efficient, and compact living environments. Located in a snowy landscape that underscores the need for functional shelter, these homes highlight innovative architectural solutions suitable for diverse climates and terrains, with an emphasis on minimal environmental impact.

### Spatial Efficiency and Adaptability
Both models feature modular designs tailored to maximize usability within a small footprint. Microhome Large, measuring 5.6 meters by 5.6 meters and reaching a height of 3.6 meters, includes designated areas for living, working, cooking, and bathing, all organized for compactness. The entrance area is multifunctional, incorporating storage solutions to ensure ease of access. The Microhome Small retains similar dimensions and layout, scaled for efficiency while featuring strategic placements for sleeping and communal spaces, facilitating mobility within its compact design.

### Material and Energy Considerations
The Microhome employs a combination of durable, eco-friendly materials such as Kingston (IS 1100-100) for cladding, transparent polycarbonate panels for enhanced lighting, and wooden shingles that provide insulation. Both models integrate renewable energy systems, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, reinforcing their sustainability. The interiors reflect a modern aesthetic with warm wood finishes and practical furniture layouts, while large windows and sliding doors promote a strong connection to the surrounding environment, fostering an inviting living 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

`
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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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