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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Practices Create Efficient Micro Home Inspired by Indigenous Heritage

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Practices Create Efficient Micro Home Inspired by Indigenous Heritage
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and an innovative rainwater harvesting system, this micro home embodies sustainable living principles while honoring the architectural heritage of Brazil's indigenous communities through careful design and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and airflow.
05
Reflects indigenous architectural principles by prioritizing local materials and cultural heritage.

### Project Overview
The Microhome project reinterprets the traditional housing of Brazil's indigenous peoples, specifically the Xingu communities in northeastern Mato Grosso, within the Amazon region. The initiative aims to align contemporary construction techniques with indigenous architectural principles, focusing on sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage. In addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanization, Microhome presents a compact residential solution that effectively responds to environmental conditions and social needs.

### Architectural Form and Function
The design of the Microhome features a distinctive layout that is divided into two primary sections: an infrastructure area containing essential utilities such as the kitchen and bathroom, and a living space. This arrangement enhances privacy and functional versatility, allowing various activities to occur concurrently. The structure incorporates larger openings on the southern and eastern elevations to optimize natural light penetration. Additionally, the slanted roof design serves to enhance light entry while facilitating efficient rainwater runoff, which is particularly vital in this region's climate, characterized by frequent heavy rainfall.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in merging traditional and modern elements. Key structural components include Kingspan insulated trapezoidal roof panels for thermal comfort, Kingspan SmartWall panels for external walls providing insulation and stability, and double-glazed windows that improve thermal performance. The exterior features a light steel frame structure for durability and a concrete block foundation to ensure stability in humid conditions. Sustainability is further emphasized through innovative systems such as rainwater harvesting, which reduces reliance on external water sources, and a biodegradable waste treatment system that processes waste effectively. Cross-ventilation techniques are integrated into the design to promote natural airflow, decreasing the need for mechanical cooling solutions.

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

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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