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Glass Walls and Slope Roof Define a Compact Retreat Crafted with Local Materials

Glass Walls and Slope Roof Define a Compact Retreat Crafted with Local Materials
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Defined by its sloped roof and extensive glass walls, this microhome integrates local materials to create a compact retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes extensive glass walls to enhance natural light and provide unobstructed views of the lagoon.
02
Features a sloped roof that integrates traditional Mexican architectural elements with a modern aesthetic.
03
Incorporates modular furniture design to maximize functionality within a compact footprint.
04
Constructed with locally sourced materials, including cross-laminated timber and charred wood for durability.
05
Designed as a microhome, promoting sustainable living through reduced space and resource efficiency.

## Overview
Situated in Tlaxcala, Mexico, near Laguna de Atlangatepec, Atlanga's House Microhome is designed for young couples seeking a retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. The architectural intent emphasizes eco-sustainability and a minimalist approach, reflecting current trends in modern living while maintaining a close connection to the landscape and cultural context.

## Spatial Configuration
The microhome encompasses an area of 25 square meters, skillfully divided into functional zones that optimize the use of space. The interior layout includes a modular kitchen with integrated storage solutions, a living area that features a multi-functional sofa bed, a cozy bedroom equipped with a storage-inclusive bed, and essential amenities like a dressing room and bathroom that are designed to prevent overcrowding. Large glass panels are strategically placed to enhance natural light penetration and offer unobstructed views of the lagoon, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

## Material Selection
Material choices are fundamental to the project's aesthetic and functional characteristics. Structural components primarily utilize concrete for durability, while expansive glass elements enhance thermal insulation and visual openness. Wood introduces warmth through cabinetry and furniture, complemented by granite surfaces in the kitchen for durability and modern appeal. Stone details echo the regional geology, serving both aesthetic and contextual functions. This combination of materials underscores a commitment to sustainability and quality, reinforcing the microhome's modern design ethos.

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