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Eps Core Pods with Integrated Hydroponics for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Nischay Shetty, Nishanth C.m
Eps Core Pods with Integrated Hydroponics for Sustainable Living
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Constructed with EPS core materials and designed for off-grid living, these modular pods incorporate hydroponics and rainwater management systems, providing sustainable housing solutions in diverse environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using EPS core materials for enhanced insulation and lightweight properties.
02
Incorporates a tripod-like base for adaptability to various site conditions.
03
Features built-in furniture and plumbing to maximize interior space efficiency.
04
Utilizes solar panels for energy independence and off-grid functionality.
05
Designed with a rainwater management system for sustainable water use.

LIVING DROPS presents a modern housing solution designed for a variety of locations, including urban sites, sloped landscapes, and coastal regions. The focus is on affordability, sustainability, and transportability, ensuring both durability and fast construction. The overall design connects practical living spaces with environmental considerations.

Structural Design

The structure features a monolithic design supported by a central column. This central component holds the outer envelope together, providing strength. The arrangement allows for easy placement on solid ground, often requiring little excavation, which simplifies the assembly process. A unique tripod-like base increases adaptability, making it possible to modify the space for added storage beneath the walkway as needed.

Interior Layout

Inside each pod, built-in furniture and plumbing systems are integrated into the walls. This thoughtful arrangement maximizes space and cuts down on construction time, leading to cost savings. Furniture embedded in the walls also enhances stability, helping the pods maintain their integrity during transportation from production to the site.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a major role in the design. Solar panels and a hydroponics system enable the units to function independently from the grid. This capability is especially important in remote areas without access to traditional utilities. Additionally, the outer surfaces of the pods can be used for extra solar energy collection or hydroponic gardening, further supporting the project’s environmental goals.

Water Management

An effective approach to water management is fundamental to the design. The shape of the pods directs rainwater to drip trays, which then channel it into storage tanks for filtration and use. Beneath the main floor, sewage and freshwater tanks are strategically placed, equipped with a filtration system that guarantees clean water supply for residents.

The overall form of each pod is complemented by the use of EPS core panels for insulation, combined with weather-resistant shotcrete. This results in a resilient living unit that not only meets practical needs but also responds to environmental challenges. The careful blend of functionality and design contributes to a practical solution for modern housing needs.

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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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