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Hay-Insulated Microhouse with Integrated Composting Systems for Mobile Living

Author:
Patrick Girdler
Hay-Insulated Microhouse with Integrated Composting Systems for Mobile Living
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Constructed from extruded clay and hay, this microhouse integrates composting toilets and a water retention system, providing sustainable living solutions for digital nomads.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using extruded clay and hay for insulation.
02
Features a compact footprint designed for flexibility in living arrangements.
03
Equipped with a composting toilet for sustainable waste management.
04
Integrates a water retention system for efficient resource use.
05
Designed for mobility, allowing partial dismantling and transport.

A Home For Nomads is a microhouse designed for those embracing flexible living in a fast-changing world. Located in a versatile environment, it aims to provide practical solutions for digital nomads who value sustainability and mobility. The design prioritizes both functionality and an appealing form, creating a living space that serves the needs of individuals and couples who work remotely.

Sustainability and Materiality

The structure is built using extruded clay and hay, which contribute to a strong insulating layer. This choice of materials is significant for energy efficiency and aligns with sustainable building practices. The use of locally sourced materials supports the local economy while reducing the environmental impact associated with transportation and production.

Spatial Organization and Flexibility

Inside, the home features high ceilings and windows that open, allowing fresh air to circulate. This promotes comfort while enhancing the quality of indoor air. The layout is intentionally designed to be flexible, enabling occupants to rearrange the central space for various activities. Whether for work, relaxation, or social gatherings, the interior adapts to meet changing needs.

Sustainable Systems and Mobility

A Home For Nomads incorporates key sustainable systems such as composting toilets and water retention mechanisms. These features reduce reliance on municipal services and encourage a lifestyle that is kinder to the environment. Notably, the house can be partially taken apart and moved, using its existing structural elements for support. This mobility reflects the lifestyle of modern nomads who often relocate.

Design Detail

Natural light plays an important role in the home's design. Carefully placed windows bring sunlight into the living spaces, creating a warm atmosphere. This detail not only enhances the overall ambiance but also makes the home feel inviting and connected to its surroundings.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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