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Eco-Friendly Hexagonal Housing with Insulated Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Eco-Friendly Hexagonal Housing with Insulated Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems
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Utilizing a hexagonal configuration and insulated panels, this sustainable housing solution incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to provide resilient living environments for communities in the Andean region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hexagonal shape to enhance spatial efficiency and community connectivity.
02
Incorporates insulated panels from Kingspan for superior thermal performance in harsh climates.
03
Features a passive solar Trombe wall to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency in water use.
05
Elevated design minimizes flood risk while providing ventilation and natural light.

**Overview**

The Micro Putuco project is located in the high Andean region of Puno, Peru, where it aims to enhance living conditions by reinterpreting traditional architectural forms. The design draws inspiration from the Putucos, small pyramidal houses historically used by indigenous communities. While these structures provide essential warmth, they often suffer from spatial limitations and inadequate organization. The project modernizes this concept, focusing on sustainable and adaptable housing solutions that respect cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs.

**Architectural Strategy and Spatial Organization**

The Micro Putucos feature a hexagonal shape, allowing for modular assembly that encourages social interaction and community formation. The design includes pitched roofs that effectively manage water runoff and snow accumulation. The two-level internal configuration maximizes space utilization, with essential living areas such as a kitchenette and workspace on the first floor and private sleeping quarters on the second floor.

**Material Selection and Environmental Considerations**

The project employs modern materials from Kingspan, renowned for their sustainability and energy efficiency. Key components include insulated wall and roof panels, tubular skylights, and a rainwater harvesting system. These materials have been selected for their thermal performance, ease of assembly, and minimal environmental impact, ensuring that the structures are well-suited to the harsh climatic conditions of the Andes. Elevated on metal columns, the design mitigates flood risks while providing versatility to adapt to varying terrains. Integrated energy solutions, such as solar panels and a Trombe wall for passive heating, further enhance the project's energy efficiency and sustainability.

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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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