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Harnessing Atmospheric Water with Recycled Polyethylene and Bioconcrete in Sustainable Housing

Harnessing Atmospheric Water with Recycled Polyethylene and Bioconcrete in Sustainable Housing
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Utilizing a Fog Water Collection System, recycled polyethylene, and bioconcrete, the design creates a sustainable habitat that redefines resource management in arid environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a Fog Water Collection System to harvest moisture from the atmosphere.
02
Incorporates recycled polyethylene mesh to enhance water capture efficiency.
03
Features bioconcrete foundations that integrate soil stabilization with ecological benefits.
04
Employs modular construction for flexible and adaptive living spaces.
05
Designed for optimal orientation and roof inclination to maximize fog collection.

### Overview

**Project Title:** Habitat in the Mist
**Location and Context:** The project is located in a region facing significant challenges related to water scarcity, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative approaches to water management and sustainability within built environments. The design aims to provide a viable solution for sustainable living in arid climates, focusing on the integration of technology and environmental adaptability.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

Habitat in the Mist features a modular architectural configuration that elevates the structure to enhance fog collection efficiency. The roof's inclination is specifically designed to optimize this process, while cascading terraces and levels facilitate effective spatial circulation. The functional layout offers a clear distinction between communal and private areas, with living spaces and accessible gardens located on the ground floor and private quarters on the second level. This arrangement not only enhances social interaction but also fosters a connection to nature through large openings that integrate indoor and outdoor environments.

### Materiality and Innovative Systems

The project employs a range of advanced materials aimed at promoting sustainability and structural integrity. Key elements include recycled polyethylene mesh for fog collection, laminated beams that support the structure while reducing environmental impact, and mineral wool insulation to improve energy efficiency. The water collection system is central to the design; it captures moisture from fog, directing it into storage tanks to lessen reliance on conventional water sources. Additional features such as photovoltaic systems for solar energy further contribute to the building's sustainability, ensuring it addresses both ecological challenges and energy needs efficiently.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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