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Circular Micro-Housing Constructed with Quaducon Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Community Living

Circular Micro-Housing Constructed with Quaducon Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Community Living
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Constructed with Quaducon panels and local materials, the circular micro-housing design facilitates communal living for the Kamentza community in the Sibundoy Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed in a circular layout to enhance community interaction and equality among residents.
02
Utilizes Quaducon panels for thermal efficiency and durability in varying climates.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency and sustainability.
04
Features flexible micro-housing units that allow for various personal and communal functions.
05
Emphasizes local craftsmanship through the use of natural wood materials sourced from the region.

### Project Overview

Located in the Sibundoy Valley of Colombia, the "Thought House" design addresses the housing needs of the indigenous Kamentza community while integrating cultural heritage and biodiversity. The intent is to create a living environment that promotes communal living, introspection, and connectivity with nature, aligning social and environmental sustainability within its architectural framework.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The design features a circular layout of micro-homes, encapsulating the values of unity and equality. Each housing unit is oriented toward a central communal area, which acts as the focal point for gatherings, cultural exchanges, and community activities. This organization promotes cohesiveness among residents, mitigating the hierarchies typically associated with linear housing designs. The flexible spatial configurations of the units accommodate various needs, including:

- **Cooking and Dining Areas**: Shared spaces that promote communal meal preparation and consumption.
- **Sleeping Quarters**: Designed for individual families, these spaces are adaptable to various uses.
- **Workspaces**: Multifunctional areas that support local artisans and professionals.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials in the "Thought House" emphasizes local craftsmanship and environmental responsiveness. Notable materials include:

- **Quaducon™ Insulated Roof Panels**: Enhancing thermal performance and weather durability.
- **Acoustic Ceiling Tiles**: Improving sound insulation within shared spaces.
- **Natural Wood Structures**: Sustainably sourced wood that reflects local building traditions.
- **Insulated Wall Panels**: Promoting energy efficiency and comfort.
- **Eco-Friendly Finishes (Plywood)**: Locally sourced and non-toxic, contributing to a healthier living environment.
- **Rainwater Harvesting System**: An innovative approach to water conservation that underscores ecological stewardship.

These materials not only fulfill functional requirements but also resonate with the cultural heritage of the Kamentza community, providing both aesthetic coherence and symbolic significance within the living spaces.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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