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Flexible Modular Units with Structural Insulated Panels and Operable Outdoor Spaces

Authors:
Zane Richter, Tayla Bezant, Chiara Cannavicci, Ana Castro Carrasco
Flexible Modular Units with Structural Insulated Panels and Operable Outdoor Spaces
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Constructed with Structural Insulated Panels and a proprietary rail system, these flexible modular units adapt to various climatic conditions while promoting community living in a sustainable, off-grid environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular flexibility allows for easy reconfiguration based on seasonal changes.
02
Operable outdoor panels enhance interaction with the environment.
03
Water management system includes interconnected 330-liter tanks for sustainability.
04
Proprietary rail system enables efficient relocation of modules.
05
Designed to withstand specific local climate challenges in Western Australia.

The design focuses on modular structures that are adaptable to the unique climatic conditions in different parts of Western Australia, including Albany, Derby, Fremantle, and Warburton. Each of these areas presents specific environmental challenges that have shaped how the structures are conceived. The overall idea is to create flexible living spaces that cater to individual preferences while responding to the diverse characteristics of each location.

Configurational Flexibility

A proprietary rail system allows for easy rearrangement of the modules. This means residents can adjust their living spaces as needed. The focus is on a user-centric design, enabling customization based on personal preferences or changing seasons. Interconnected modules facilitate a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor environments.

Site-Specific Responses

Design changes according to each site’s climate. Albany's wet and mild conditions, combined with strong coastal winds, require thoughtful design to create comfort. In Derby, with its hot, wet tropical climate, the structures are built to handle heavy rainfall effectively. Fremantle’s temperate environment benefits from spaces that encourage the connection of indoors and outdoors, especially taking advantage of cool summer breezes. Warburton, facing hot and dry desert conditions, features adaptations suitable for its climate.

Sustainable Design Elements

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) selected for their strength and insulation. These panels allow for quick assembly and disassembly of the structures. Water management systems are in place, including interconnected 330-liter tanks that promote eco-friendly usage. An energy setup includes battery storage capable of 12V and 240V outputs, with a combined capacity of 14 kWh. This setup is critical for off-grid living situations.

Innovative Community Integration

The layout encourages a sense of community, as shown in the site plans featuring multiple dwellings. Each module is designed to include different areas for sleeping, bathing, and living, promoting ease of use while allowing for social interaction. The outdoor spaces are adaptable, with panels that can adjust to seasonal changes, creating a strong link to the environment that allows for various activities.

Distinctive features such as the wire systems that support vertical plants contribute to ecological integration. The design's modularity and attention to local conditions reflect a thoughtful response to the practical housing needs of the region. As the project develops, it continues to address the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions while aiming for a balance between comfort and sustainability.

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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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