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Circular Layout with Rainscreen Facade and Integrated Vegetable Garden for Sustainable Living

Circular Layout with Rainscreen Facade and Integrated Vegetable Garden for Sustainable Living
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A rotating closet enhances space efficiency within a compact microhome, complemented by a rainscreen facade and an integrated vegetable garden that support sustainable living in a harmonious community layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating closet design maximizes limited space within the compact footprint.
02
The microhome utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while ensuring thermal efficiency.
04
An integrated vegetable garden promotes self-sufficiency and ecological sustainability.
05
The bent A-frame design contributes to natural ventilation and light integration.

## Overview
The Yin and Yang Microhome project is situated within a vibrant green landscape designed to embody balance and harmony, inspired by the philosophical concept of yin-yang. This initiative integrates innovative design with sustainability, focusing on efficient use of space while promoting community engagement and interaction with the natural environment.

## Spatial Strategy
The arrangement of the microhomes mimics the dynamic form of the yin-yang symbol, facilitating a connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Distinct spatial configurations encourage fluid movement and visual continuity, enhancing the residents' experience of nature. Aerial perspectives reveal a layout characterized by winding paths and water features that not only serve aesthetic purposes but also incorporate natural elements for effective water management and sustainability.

## Material Selection and Innovations
The project employs a carefully curated palette of materials aimed at optimizing both performance and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include sprayed concrete with steel reinforcement for structural stability, expanded polystyrene for thermal insulation, and Dri-Design rainscreen facade systems for weather resistance. Innovative features such as a rotating closet maximize space efficiency, while a slimline tank integrated into the design addresses water conservation needs. Diverse façade systems contribute to visual interest and ecological sustainability, reinforcing the project's commitment to a harmonious coexistence with its environment.

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

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