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Harnessing Humidity for Sustainable Living in a Compact Microhome

Author:
Tyler Thompson
Harnessing Humidity for Sustainable Living in a Compact Microhome
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Utilizing humidity captured from daily activities, the design incorporates a greenhouse into a compact microhome, providing sustainable living solutions for a young professional couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for off-grid living, emphasizing sustainability.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse that utilizes bathroom humidity.
03
Includes a second floor to enhance usable space and views.
04
Features large windows for natural light and privacy.
05
Utilizes a sliding barn door to save interior space.

The Sun House is a compact microhome designed for a young professional couple living off-grid. It occupies less than 267 square feet, making efficient use of space while maintaining a sense of comfort. The design focuses on maximizing functionality without sacrificing connection to the natural surroundings.

Design Elements and Spatial Organization

A key feature of the Sun House is its second floor, which enhances the living space. This vertical expansion offers better views and areas where occupants can gather. Large windows on this upper level allow natural light to flow into the home and provide views of the nearby lake to the north. The careful placement of windows creates an open feel, promoting a connection between the interior and the outside while ensuring the upstairs bedroom remains private.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design, evidenced by a greenhouse located on the east side of the microhome. This greenhouse is attached to the bathroom, allowing it to use the humidity produced during showers. By directing this moisture into the greenhouse, the design captures potential waste and turns it into a resource. The ventilation system that opens into the greenhouse not only improves air circulation but also contributes to effective water management, supporting plant growth.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The layout inside the Sun House has been carefully planned to prioritize ease of movement and usability. The inclusion of a sliding barn door for the bathroom reflects this thoughtful design, providing easy access while saving space. Such features enhance the overall efficiency of the home, creating a comfortable living environment. Each element is designed with purpose, making the best use of limited space.

Large windows on both levels allow sunlight and fresh air into the home, reinforcing the connection to nature. This simple yet effective design detail highlights the intention to create a pleasant living atmosphere within a small footprint.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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