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Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces

Authors:
Peiling He, Chengnuo Song
Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces
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Constructed as ecological islands, these micro homes utilize efficient modularity and flexible layouts to provide functional living spaces for families in quarantine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed as ecological islands to enhance sustainable living.
02
Modular components allow for quick assembly by two people.
03
Flexible layouts adapt to daily routines, social gatherings, and leisure activities.
04
Designed specifically for quarantine situations in urban environments.
05
Emphasis on maximizing storage within compact living spaces.

The design focuses on addressing the urgent challenges brought about by the recent pandemic, particularly in Wuhan, a city that has faced significant restrictions due to social distancing. The concept revolves around micro homes that act as "ecological islands," providing safe and functional living environments for families in quarantine. The primary aim is to create practical and sustainable spaces that can be quickly deployed to meet immediate housing needs.

Design Efficiency

The micro homes are built using factory-produced components, which allows them to be assembled quickly. Typically, two people can complete the construction in about two weeks. This speed is essential during emergencies when rapid housing solutions are necessary. The use of prefabrication reflects a modern approach to construction, making it possible to provide housing in a practical manner.

Flexible Living Spaces

Each micro home features three main layouts: Daily Mode, Social Mode, and Sports and Leisure Mode. Daily Mode caters to the everyday needs of couples, maximizing storage through modular furniture. As restrictions ease, the Social Mode allows for gatherings, with a layout that can be reconfigured to accommodate more people. The Sports and Leisure Mode includes sufficient space for physical activities, promoting health and well-being during isolation.

Material Considerations

While the specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the design implies the use of space-efficient and durable components. The emphasis on modularity suggests lightweight solutions that support both the speedy construction process and adaptability for different living arrangements.

The design responds thoughtfully to the needs of families facing isolation. It combines practicality, sustainability, and community interaction in a compact form. Features such as flexible layouts and efficient space utilization highlight a careful consideration of modern living realities, resulting in a design that prioritizes comfort and function.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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