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Egg-Shaped Dwelling with Fiberglass Shell and Photovoltaic Cells

Author:
Aleksa Grgurović
Egg-Shaped Dwelling with Fiberglass Shell and Photovoltaic Cells
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The egg-shaped micro house combines a fiberglass shell with photovoltaic cells to create an energy-efficient living space, offering comfort and stability while maximizing limited ground area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Egg-shaped design enhances natural stability and energy efficiency.
02
Fiberglass shell provides superior thermal insulation and durability.
03
Separate living platform allows safe movement during seismic events.
04
Integrated photovoltaic cells generate renewable energy for household use.
05
Storage canisters for firewood and water serve as structural counterweights.

The Heart-Shaped Box micro house is designed to maximize living comfort while minimizing its footprint. It combines a spacious living area, a practical kitchen with a fireplace, and a separate bathroom, making it a functional space for everyday life. The overall shape is egg-like, which supports both energy efficiency and structural stability, making it suitable for a variety of environments.

Design Efficiency

The architectural concept focuses on the egg shape's benefits, particularly its area-to-volume ratio. This design helps reduce heat loss, which is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while keeping energy costs low. In a world where energy efficiency is crucial, this approach shows how useful design can be in practical terms.

Structural Stability

The micro house incorporates a dual-system stabilization mechanism. This system separates the living platform from the outer shell, allowing for greater resilience against external forces. The egg shape contributes to this stability, providing safety during events such as earthquakes. Here, structural integrity is not only a feature but a priority in ensuring comfort and security.

Material Considerations

The outer shell is made from fiberglass, a material that offers durability and good thermal insulation. This choice enhances the house’s energy retention capabilities and aligns with a broader commitment to sustainability. Photovoltaic cells are fitted into the exterior, enabling the house to generate its own electricity, further reducing reliance on external energy sources.

Functional Integration

Underneath the living platform, storage canisters for firewood and water are thoughtfully included in the design. These canisters serve practical purposes, providing resources necessary for daily living. They also act as counterweights, adding to the overall stability of the micro house. This kind of integration supports a self-sufficient lifestyle, allowing occupants to replenish essential resources easily.

The Heart-Shaped Box micro house illustrates how thoughtful design can combine comfort and practicality. By focusing on efficient use of space and energy, it offers a reliable solution for modern living. The details of its layout and structure highlight a commitment to creating a harmonious living environment that meets the needs of its inhabitants.

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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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