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Closed-Loop Water System in a-Frame Micro Home with Local Materials

Author:
Sophie Herqué
Closed-Loop Water System in a-Frame Micro Home with Local Materials
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The recirculating water system and local materials showcase a self-sufficient A-frame micro home designed for energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recirculating shower system significantly reduces daily water usage through a closed-loop design.
02
Elevated on wooden piles, the structure adapts to varying site conditions and improves drainage.
03
A-frame shape optimizes natural light capture and thermal performance.
04
Material palette includes locally sourced wood, hay, and earth, emphasizing sustainability.
05
Technical facilities are discreetly integrated into a lower ground floor for an uncluttered living space.

Le Mirador is an A-frame micro-home designed with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. Elevated on wooden piles, it adapts to different site conditions and connects well with its natural environment. The home functions as a residential space, offering a living experience that emphasizes energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

Orientation and Thermal Performance

The design strategically maximizes thermal performance. An opening angled at 45 degrees in the southern wall allows sunlight to enter, which reduces the need for artificial heating. This thoughtful placement ensures energy efficiency while creating a comfortable atmosphere for occupants, enhancing the overall living experience.

Spatial Arrangement and Technical Facilities

Inside, the layout clearly separates technical facilities from living areas, resulting in an organized environment. The lower ground floor accommodates crucial systems such as the battery bank, photovoltaic (PV) combiner, cisterns, and septic tanks. This separation keeps essential utilities out of sight, promoting a clean and uncluttered aesthetic within the living spaces.

Water Recycling System

One notable feature is the recirculating shower, which uses a closed-loop water recycling system. This innovation allows the home to capture and filter water for reuse, significantly cutting down on daily water consumption. Such a feature underscores the focus on resource management, aligning with contemporary standards for sustainable living.

Materials and Environmental Responsibility

Materials used in constructing Le Mirador include wood, hay, and earth. These choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, as they can often be sourced locally and have minimal environmental impact. This selection emphasizes a practical approach, harmonizing the home with its surrounding landscape while being responsible for resource usage.

The design of Le Mirador is defined by its A-frame shape, combined with large double-glazed bay windows that invite natural light inside. This design detail connects indoor spaces with the outside views, creating a welcoming atmosphere full of light and nature.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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