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Elevated Modular Homes with Efficient Rainwater Filtration and Flexible Components

Author:
Mahsa Abdkarimi
Elevated Modular Homes with Efficient Rainwater Filtration and Flexible Components
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With an efficient rainwater filtration system and a modular design that allows for easy transport and assembly, these homes provide adaptable living spaces suitable for various climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular components enable easy transport and assembly by individuals.
02
Jacks provide elevation solutions for uneven terrains without requiring foundations.
03
Integrated rainwater filtration system promotes self-sufficiency in water use.
04
Cross-ventilation enhances indoor air quality through strategically positioned windows.
05
Adaptable designs allow for various configurations based on user preferences.

Puzzle Town introduces a practical approach to modular housing, designed to meet the current needs for efficient construction and sustainable living. It focuses on creating homes that can adapt to various environments and user preferences. This modular system enhances ease of transportation and assembly, allowing for quick deployment and customization in different locations.

Modular Components

The design consists of several modular components, such as floor panels, wall panels, roof panels, and supporting columns. Each part is created to be lightweight and easy to handle, which allows individuals to transport them without special equipment. This setup streamlines the construction process and reduces logistical challenges, making it accessible for a wider range of users.

Transportation and Assembly

Components can be moved using standard trucks, with an arrangement that optimizes space within the cargo area. Upon reaching the site, the assembly begins without the need for cranes. Four girder elements fit into predefined holes beneath the truck, while eight jacks lift the container to a suitable height. This method simplifies and quickens the assembly while maintaining flexibility in the construction process.

Adaptability and Sustainability

Each home has a floor area of 80 square meters and can be configured in various ways to suit different needs. The structure is designed to be multi-story, allowing users to personalize their living spaces. It is also capable of functioning well in various climates. The use of jacks helps to build homes on sloped land, minimizing the need for deep foundations.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. The inclined roof panels are designed to collect rainwater, directing it to grooves in the beams. This water is funneled into a purification system located in the bathroom. The filtration setup uses three buckets to ensure clean water is available for use, promoting a self-sufficient water system within the home.

Ventilation is carefully considered, with windows placed on opposite sides of the building to encourage airflow. The ability to open windows from both the top and bottom enhances indoor air quality, making the living space more comfortable.

Overall, Puzzle Town demonstrates a thoughtful approach to modular housing that balances practical living needs with environmental considerations, paving a way for future designs focused on sustainability and efficiency.

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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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