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Energy-Generating Windows Enabling Sustainable Living in Compact Wooden Cabin

Authors:
Aleksandar Boyadzhiev, Yoanna Petrova
Energy-Generating Windows Enabling Sustainable Living in Compact Wooden Cabin
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The incorporation of energy-generating windows within a compact wooden structure allows for self-sufficient living against a backdrop of nature, designed explicitly for short-term occupancy in diverse environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Energy-generating windows provide all necessary electricity.
02
Cabin design allows for effective camouflage within natural landscapes.
03
Integrated water management system utilizes rainwater for sustainability.
04
Compact size promotes minimal environmental impact.
05
Interior layout fosters strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Window Sun Cabin project presents a thoughtful approach to sustainable living within natural settings. Designed for short-term stays, the cabin offers a compact space that harmonizes with its surroundings. The primary focus is on energy-generating windows, which allow the structure to blend into the landscape while fulfilling its functional needs.

Energy Harvesting

The design incorporates energy-generating windows that provide electricity while camouflaging the cabin against its natural backdrop. These reflective elements reduce the visual impact of the structure, making it difficult to spot amid trees or near water. The cabin is oriented to capture sunlight efficiently, utilizing an inclined roof to enhance solar energy collection.

Compact Living Space

Occupying just 15 square meters and standing 360 centimeters tall, the cabin maintains a compact footprint suitable for a variety of environments. Inside, the layout embraces minimalism to foster a strong connection with the outdoors. Large front windows allow for plenty of natural light and promote fresh air circulation. While the space is small, it is carefully planned to meet the basic needs of occupants without feeling cramped.

Water Management

The design includes a functional water management system with a reservoir that can collect rainwater or draw from nearby sources. This element supports the cabin’s self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on outside utilities. Inside, amenities are strategically placed. A bathroom featuring a dry toilet and shower, as well as a compact kitchen with a sink, ensures that basic needs are met while maximizing usable space.

Material Use

Wood serves as the primary structural material, emphasizing sustainability. Columns and beams, shaped in a profile of 15 by 15 centimeters, provide stability and durability. Internal walls made of wood materials contribute to a natural aesthetic that aligns with the project’s environmentally conscious ethos. The energy-generating windows not only fulfill their energy production role but also enhance the overall design, creating a visual connection with the surrounding landscape.

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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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