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Corten Steel Tiny Home with Integrated Water Management

Authors:
Ji Sun, Emily Kaing, Lilit Houlder
Corten Steel Tiny Home with Integrated Water Management
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Constructed with Corten steel and designed for efficient water management, the tiny home redefines urban living by integrating sustainable practices within a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Corten steel panels for durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates a passive water management system to capture and reuse rainfall.
03
Features a compact footprint of 5m x 5m, maximizing urban space efficiency.
04
Includes diverse garden spaces that promote biodiversity and ecological health.
05
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing solar panel structures.

The design project located in Downtown Calgary presents a modern response to urban living in a challenging climate. It introduces a compact tiny home focused on sustainability and effective water management. The concept highlights the importance of water as both a vital resource and a challenge in urban settings, specifically addressing the arid conditions of Calgary.

Water Management

At the core of the design is a well-thought-out water management system that captures, purifies, and reuses rainfall. This approach aims to prevent flooding while promoting responsible use of water resources. By emphasizing passive systems, the design connects with the local landscape, integrating water flow into daily life.

Spatial Organization

The tiny home is built within a compact footprint of 5m x 5m. The layout is designed efficiently to accommodate necessary living spaces. It includes an open living room and kitchen that support social interactions, while a separate bedroom space and workspace cater to privacy and productivity. Essential features like a bathroom and a deck enhance comfort and utility.

Landscape Integration

Outdoor space is an essential part of the design. The project includes various types of gardens, such as rain gardens, vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, and high shrub gardens. These elements not only add beauty but also promote ecological health. By combining private and public garden spaces, the design encourages residents to connect with nature and foster community relationships.

Materials chosen for the structure include Corten steel panels, metal solar panel structures, and concrete. These materials provide durability and efficiency. They help the home withstand Calgary's weather while also contributing to energy savings.

The attentive approach to water management, spatial efficiency, and landscape design results in a solution that addresses modern living challenges. It creates an environment where residents can thrive while being mindful of their ecological footprint.

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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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