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Circadian Living Awaits Within Natural Light and Flexible Polyester Fabric

Author:
Zofia Wąsowska
Circadian Living Awaits Within Natural Light and Flexible Polyester Fabric
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Built with polyester fabric for optimal light diffusion and a retractable table for flexible living, this microhome offers a restorative space designed to combat insomnia and enhance well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls made of polyester fabric allow for efficient natural light filtering.
02
The layout includes three distinct functional zones for optimal organization.
03
A telescopic leg supports a retractable table for flexible living arrangements.
04
The building's exterior resembles a lantern, symbolizing warmth and comfort.
05
Tatami mats cover the medium-hard zone, providing a unique texture and utility.

The Microhome - Lanternhouse is a thoughtful design that responds to the growing problem of insomnia in today’s society. Located in a carefully chosen residential area, the building aims to create a living space that reduces the impact of artificial light while enhancing natural light exposure. The overall design centers on the idea of aligning daily activities with the rhythms of nature, making it easier for residents to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the Microhome - Lanternhouse features a well-organized layout divided into three main functional zones. The wet zone is constructed using the hardest stone material, ensuring durability and practicality for various daily tasks. Next, the medium-hard zone includes tatami mats that cleverly hide storage compartments, allowing for a tidy appearance and efficient use of space. Lastly, the softer zone contains a large mattress set into the floor, providing a comfortable area for rest and rejuvenation.

Retractable Features

A key element of the design is a retractable table with a telescopic leg. This feature allows the table to be raised or lowered as needed, adapting easily to different activities. Such flexibility maximizes the use of space and highlights a focus on simplicity and efficiency, enabling residents to create their own preferred living arrangements throughout the day.

Materiality and Light

Materials are carefully chosen to enhance the goals of the project. Walls made of polyester fabric allow natural light to filter through, producing a warm and inviting atmosphere. This combination of materials not only meets functional needs but also connects the interior with the outside world.

The building’s exterior resembles a burning lantern, symbolizing warmth and light. This visual representation reinforces the concept of comfort while offering a calming presence in the environment. The design invites tranquility, creating a space where residents can truly feel at home.

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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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