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Hempcrete Home with Passive Solar Design and Modular Construction

Hempcrete Home with Passive Solar Design and Modular Construction
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Constructed with hempcrete and designed for passive solar efficiency, the residence integrates modular elements to create a self-sufficient living space that harmonizes with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with hempcrete for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates passive solar design principles for energy efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure to improve natural ventilation.
04
Utilizes modular components for rapid assembly and adaptability.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.

### Overview

Located in France, the AUTONOME project addresses the critical need for sustainable housing through the innovative use of hemp-based technologies. The design intends to promote ecological awareness and resilience to climate change by prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and strategies for self-sufficiency. The architectural approach combines modern living with a commitment to minimalism and sustainable practices in order to create a living environment that aligns with evolving environmental challenges.

### Material Innovation

The design employs lime-hemp concrete to construct high-performance monomaterial walls, effectively leveraging local resources to reduce the carbon footprint. This material choice not only supports sustainability but also enhances the building’s thermal performance by utilizing the natural insulating properties of hemp. The incorporation of thermal inertia contributes to stable indoor conditions, optimizing comfort through passive solar heating and natural temperature regulation.

### Spatial and Functional Design

The layout of the residence emphasizes minimalism while maintaining functional living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing natural light and promoting a sense of continuity with nature. Additionally, the project features prefabricated modular components that allow for efficient off-site construction, ensuring adaptability to diverse housing needs. The systems integrated into the design include energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, enhancing the building’s autonomy and further reducing its environmental impact.

### Integrated Systems

The project incorporates advanced multifunctional systems designed for sustainability and self-sufficiency. Key features include a wood stove combined with solar thermal systems, providing reliable energy sources despite variations in weather conditions. Phytoremediation techniques are also integrated to enhance air and water quality, effectively utilizing natural processes within the surrounding ecosystem. These system features illustrate a comprehensive approach to energy management and resource conservation, reinforcing the commitment to ecological sustainability throughout the design.

### Materials Utilized

Notable materials within the project comprise:

- **Lime-Hemp Concrete**: Offers thermal resistance while promoting sustainability.
- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Facilitate solar energy use, contributing to power autonomy.
- **Rainwater Harvesting Systems**: Enable water conservation by collecting rainwater for domestic purposes.
- **Hemp Insulation**: Provides effective thermal and acoustic insulation.
- **Wood Components**: Used in structural elements to emphasize the use of natural materials.
- **Glass Facades**: Enhance natural illumination and reinforce the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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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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