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Geothermal Heating and Tower Gardens in a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Hai Ngo
Geothermal Heating and Tower Gardens in a Sustainable Community Hub
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Incorporating geothermal heating and a tower garden, the design fosters a sustainable environment for community activities and dining while maintaining a close connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a tower garden to promote biodiversity and urban agriculture.
02
Designed with geothermal heating for energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a nursery plant area for educational engagement with nature.
04
Utilizes solid materials in back-of-house spaces to optimize functionality.
05
Includes a shallow pond for effective water management and irrigation.

The Nomad Farmhouse is a well-considered building located in a natural environment that emphasizes sustainability and user experience. It serves multiple functions, including dining, relaxation, and education, while maintaining a close connection to the landscape. The design approach centers on creating spaces that foster community engagement while also providing areas suitable for quiet reflection.

Design Layout

The layout features a central lobby that acts as a hub for various activities. Within this space, visitors can find a souvenir shop, a multipurpose hall for events like cinema screenings and yoga classes, and an all-day dining area. Surrounding these core elements are gardens and planting areas that create a direct relationship with the landscape. This careful arrangement invites guests to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the site.

Functional Spaces

Individual spaces within the Nomad Farmhouse are intentionally zoned to allow for easy movement and accessibility. Dining areas and event spaces are positioned to facilitate interaction among visitors and staff. There are also indoor planting areas that provide opportunities for hands-on learning and enjoyment. By offering a variety of experiences, the design encourages engagement while allowing for moments of solitude and peace.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is fundamental to the design. A geothermal energy system is integrated to help manage heating needs efficiently. Additionally, water management strategies are in place, including the use of a shallow pond and a water cistern for irrigation. The thoughtful incorporation of filtration systems and drainage solutions demonstrates a responsible approach to environmental care, ensuring the building operates harmoniously within its natural setting.

Material Considerations

Material choices are focused on practicality and environmental impact. Solid materials are employed in back-of-house areas to support operational needs, while glazing in greenhouse sections enhances natural light and supports plant growth. Each decision regarding materials contributes to the overall functionality and aesthetic coherence of the building, allowing it to integrate well with its surroundings.

The Nomad Farmhouse presents a combination of practical design elements and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The attention to detail in the layout and material use reflects a balanced approach that invites people to connect with both the structure and the landscape around them.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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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