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Flowgen Turbines and Retractable Terraces in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Oscar Morgan
Flowgen Turbines and Retractable Terraces in Compact Urban Living
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With integrated Flowgen turbines and a retractable catamaran terrace, the design maximizes energy efficiency and usable outdoor space in a compact urban living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates automated control for energy capture through a dedicated app.
02
Features a retractable catamaran terrace that adapts to user needs.
03
Includes separate tanks for fresh water, grey water, and sewage management.
04
Utilizes ultra-quiet Flowgen turbines for discreet energy generation.
05
Maximizes natural light with expansive glass walls designed for efficiency.

The project offers a contemporary response to urban living challenges, located in an area marked by high rental prices and limited space. It was designed with the needs of modern residents in mind, focusing on creating a living environment that is efficient and sustainable. The overall concept emphasizes the importance of maximizing space while maintaining functionality within an urban context.

Energy Capture Solutions

Innovative energy capture strategies play a central role in the design. Solar panels are arranged in a Venetian blind style on large glass walls, allowing for flexible control through a dedicated app. This configuration not only optimizes energy production but also provides an interactive experience for the residents, who can adjust the settings to enhance their living space.



Water Management Systems

Water management is another key element of the design. The building features three distinct tanks for fresh water, grey water, and sewage. The fresh water system draws from both the main supply and roof capture, ensuring a reliable source while promoting resource conservation. This systematic approach aligns with principles of sustainability, which are increasingly essential in urban settings.



Flexible Outdoor Spaces

The design includes a retractable catamaran terrace, illustrating a practical way to enhance the living area. This feature allows residents to utilize outdoor space according to their needs, whether for relaxation or socializing. Such adaptability is particularly valuable in urban environments where private outdoor areas may be limited.



Thoughtful attention is given to integrating technology into daily living. Energy and water systems are seamlessly woven into the structure to maintain a cohesive aesthetic. The approach aims to ensure that sustainability and user convenience are central to the experience, reflecting a modern understanding of urban life.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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