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Floating Micro-Homes Built with Rainscreen Facade and Sustainable Timber Elements

Floating Micro-Homes Built with Rainscreen Facade and Sustainable Timber Elements
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Constructed with a rainscreen facade and sustainable timber elements, these floating micro-homes offer a self-sufficient living solution in response to the challenges of rising sea levels and urban land scarcity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure designed to adapt to rising water levels.
02
Integrated rainwater collection system enhances sustainability.
03
Exterior features a rainscreen facade for increased durability.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Modular design allows flexible configurations and community arrangements.

# Analytical Report on Floating Micro-Home Architectural Design

## Project Overview
The floating micro-home concept addresses the challenges of rising sea levels, urban flooding, and land scarcity by utilizing aquatic environments such as rivers and sheltered bays. This approach encourages sustainable housing development by deviating from traditional land-based residential design. The architecture emphasizes sustainability, modularity, and adaptability, aiming to provide a practical response to environmental shifts while fostering community living.

### Sustainable Living Practices
The design features several elements aimed at promoting environmentally responsible living. A rainwater harvesting system includes a slimline tank that captures rainfall for non-potable uses, thereby reducing reliance on municipal water supplies. Green roof systems not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to rainwater collection and promote biodiversity within the urban ecosystem.

### Modular and Adaptive Design
The micro-homes consist of configurable units that enable various layouts, such as single arrangements or side-by-side configurations, supporting flexible community formation. Each unit encompasses 25 square meters of living space, optimally arranged to maximize functionality while maintaining ecological balance. The interior design includes movable components that can transform the space for dual purposes, transitioning seamlessly from work to leisure. Additionally, large openings and sliding glass doors increase natural light and airflow, fostering an expansive atmosphere.

## Materiality and Construction Details
Materials selected for this project reflect both a commitment to sustainability and functional durability. A factory-engineered wall system facilitates rapid installation while ensuring long-term resilience. The rainscreen facade system not only offers environmental resistance but also provides a modern aesthetic. Key features include a robust ZINCALUME® steel slimline tank for rainwater collection, Tredak acoustic ceiling tiles for enhanced indoor sound quality, and Solatube tubular skylights to optimize natural lighting. Wood finishes used for both interior and exterior surfaces create warmth and a connection to nature, reinforcing the overall design narrative.

## Unique Living Environment
The design emphasizes water-centric living, allowing residents to engage directly with their surroundings, thereby addressing common barriers associated with waterfront habitation. The layout promotes the formation of micro-communities, enhancing social connectivity among residents while strategically maintaining privacy. The integration of renewable energy sources further exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability in contemporary architectural practice.

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The Next House: USA
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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