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Corten Steel Facade and Sustainable Energy Solutions Define a Flexible Microhome Design

Corten Steel Facade and Sustainable Energy Solutions Define a Flexible Microhome Design
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Constructed with a corten steel facade and equipped with efficient solar panels, this microhome exemplifies flexible living while promoting sustainability through its innovative design and resource management.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a corten steel facade to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved energy efficiency and structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while promoting natural light.
04
Equipped with integrated solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainable water management.

### Project Overview
Casa Chameleon, located in a context that demands innovative housing solutions, focuses on providing customizable and sustainable living spaces. Designed as a microhome, it seeks to offer residents the flexibility to adapt their living environment to personal preferences and changing climatic conditions. This initiative emphasizes ecological integrity while addressing the pressing demands of modern housing.

### Concept and Design Flexibility
The design centers on modularity, allowing the outer and inner shells of the structure to be customized with various materials such as engineered wood panels and corten steel. This adaptability is essential in diverse environmental settings, enabling inhabitants to select colors and finishes that respond to climatic influences—darker shades for heat absorption in colder areas and lighter tones for reflective cooling in warmer regions.

### Sustainable Material Selection
The project's material palette underscores a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Key components include:

- **Kingspan Designwall 2000**: A highly efficient insulation material that enhances overall energy performance.
- **Wooden Slats**: These provide aesthetic versatility while encouraging integration with natural surroundings.
- **Corten Steel**: Renowned for its durability and unique weathered appearance, this material withstands harsh environmental conditions.
- **OSB (Oriented Strand Board)**: Ensuring structural integrity while remaining a cost-effective construction option.
- **Solar Panels**: Incorporated into the roof to harness renewable energy, supporting the self-sufficiency objective.
- **Kingspan AquaBank**: These systems collect and store rainwater, emphasizing efficiency in resource utilization.

The roof design further contributes to energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer and promoting a comfortable indoor climate.

### Self-Sufficiency and Community Integration
Casa Chameleon integrates self-sufficiency through a combination of innovative systems. The installation of rainwater and drinking water storage tanks enables independence from municipal water sources. Solar panels facilitate energy autonomy, supplemented by a battery storage system to ensure a consistent power supply.

In addition, this project advocates for communal living by promoting shared spaces without compromising individual identity. Customizable facades foster a sense of community, creating interactive neighborhoods that maintain autonomy from traditional urban infrastructures. This model responds to housing pressures by enhancing social interaction and supporting sustainable living practices.

### Architectural Characteristics
The project’s distinctive features include its customizable aesthetics, sustainability practices, and a focus on community. Residents have the opportunity to select materials that align with their personal style, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive environment. The emphasis on resource management further aims to reduce the ecological footprint, positioning this design as a relevant solution amid the challenges of contemporary urban living.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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