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Clay-Finished Home with Straw Insulation and Water Management Solutions

Authors:
Lukasz Sakowicz, Urszula Nowacka
Clay-Finished Home with Straw Insulation and Water Management Solutions
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Constructed with straw insulation and finished in clay, this home incorporates advanced water management systems, offering a compact yet functional living space focused on sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
High ceilings and large windows enhance natural light and openness.
02
A multifunctional 3-in-1 unit serves as a bed, sofa, and desk.
03
Innovative water purification system using Aquaporin protein and osmosis.
04
Straw insulation reduces environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency.
05
Rainwater reservoir supports sustainable water management practices.

The Straw House project showcases a clear approach to sustainable living combined with efficient design. Located in an area ideal for ecological construction, it places a strong emphasis on making the most of limited space. The design concept focuses on integrating essential functions into a compact layout, providing a comfortable and inviting environment.

Multifunctional Living

Inside the Straw House, different living needs are met with a 3-in-1 unit that serves as a bed, sofa, and desk. This thoughtful arrangement allows for flexibility in use. High ceilings and large windows enhance the feeling of openness, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Sliding walls ensure that privacy can be achieved whenever necessary, enabling the home to adapt to various lifestyle demands.

Water Management Solutions

A significant aspect of the Straw House is its innovative approach to managing water. It incorporates a purification system that uses a membrane with Aquaporin protein and osmosis, aiming to deliver clean drinking water. This feature addresses important concerns about water quality in many households. Additionally, a rainwater reservoir supports sustainability efforts, reducing the reliance on external water sources.

Sustainable Material Choices

The materials used in the construction of the Straw House are carefully chosen to support its sustainability goals. The structure is built with a wooden frame, insulated with straw, and finished with clay. These materials are environmentally friendly and sourced locally. This selection helps optimize energy efficiency and reduces the home's ecological footprint, aligning with current practices that prioritize responsible resource management.

Design Features and Amenities

Thoughtful design features enhance the overall livability of the Straw House. Overhead cabinets provide necessary storage space, while folding chairs contribute to a flexible living area. A suspended net serves as a deckchair, allowing for relaxation or movie watching, adding leisure elements to daily life.

These details highlight a commitment to creating a functional living space that balances comfort with practicality. The design encourages engagement with the surroundings, fostering a connection to both the home and its environment.

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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.

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