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Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction

Authors:
Ģirts Kalinkevičs, Dimitrijs Meļņikovs, Natālija Savranska, Anete Egle
Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction
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Constructed with a timber frame and enhanced by full-length glazing, the home harnesses solar energy and incorporates a heat pump system to efficiently serve the needs of a single family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for flexibility in design and future expansion.
02
Full-length glazing maximizes natural light and connects interior spaces to the landscape.
03
The heat pump system significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.
04
Rainwater harvesting provides a sustainable water supply for household use.
05
The insulated timber frame enhances thermal performance in a temperate climate.

The project features a modular home tailored for a single family in a temperate seasonal climate. It covers a total of 135 square meters and comprises four modular units arranged to create distinct areas for communal and private use. The design focuses on efficiency, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring a comfortable living space that addresses contemporary residential requirements.

Sustainability Features

At the heart of the design is a commitment to sustainability, highlighted by the inclusion of solar photovoltaic panels. These panels provide a renewable source of energy that reduces both environmental impact and operational costs over their long lifespan. They enable the potential for a self-sufficient energy system within the home.



Spatial Arrangement

The home’s layout is thoughtfully organized to balance shared and private spaces. Two of the modular units serve as common areas, featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, which encourage interaction among family members. The other two units are designated for private use, with bedrooms and a bathroom that ensure individual privacy.



Ventilation and Heating Systems

A heat recovery ventilation system is integrated into the design to enhance indoor air quality. This system supplies filtered, fresh air to each room. Additionally, a heat pump with an exchanger effectively manages both heating and cooling needs. During warmer months, the system works to cool the air and control humidity. In colder seasons, it can meet a significant portion of the home’s heating demand, using electricity supplied from the solar panels.



Materials and Aesthetic

The structure is built using an insulated timber frame, which aids in energy efficiency. The exterior is clad with wooden panels that add warmth and contrast to the modern design. This material choice not only enhances the look of the building but also supports sustainability by utilizing renewable resources.

The design is further accentuated by full-length glazing, which connects the indoors to the landscape outside. This feature floods the interior with natural light, enriching the overall living experience while fostering a connection to nature.

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

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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