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Hempcrete Microhome with Adaptive Furniture and Rainwater System

Author:
Andy Donlin
Hempcrete Microhome with Adaptive Furniture and Rainwater System
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Constructed with hempcrete and featuring a rainwater collection system, this microhome offers an adaptable living experience that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printed walls filled with hempcrete for enhanced insulation.
02
Incorporates a multifunctional desk that transforms into a bed.
03
Features a complete rainwater collection and filtration system.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed large openings.
05
Constructed with a CNC machined roof assembly for structural precision.

The architectural design represents a microhome located in the suburb of Tampa, Florida. It aims to provide a sustainable solution for modern housing needs. The design focuses on maximizing natural light and enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. By deviating from typical home shapes, it creates a more dynamic interaction with the natural environment.

Material Efficiency

3D printed walls are a central feature of the microhome. These walls are created in sections at the sills and headers, and the spaces between them are filled with hempcrete, a sustainable insulation material. This method reduces waste and enhances the overall structural performance. Such an approach demonstrates a fresh perspective on building techniques that prioritize ecological responsibility throughout construction.

Natural Light and Spatial Dynamics

Large openings in the design allow plenty of daylight into the living spaces, effectively merging indoor and outdoor areas. The use of double glazed windows improves thermal performance while providing views of the surroundings, making the interior feel bright and spacious. This focus on natural light enhances the quality of living, ensuring the spaces are comfortable despite their compact dimensions.

Adaptive Living Solutions

Flexibility is key in the microhome's design, with multifunctional furniture that adapts to different occupant needs. One example is a desk that can transform into a bed, showcasing clever use of limited space. This design promotes a practical living environment, addressing the varied demands of everyday life while emphasizing simplicity and efficiency.

Sustainable Water Management

Sustainable features include a rainwater collection system with filtration, highlighting a commitment to responsible water usage. This system minimizes reliance on municipal water supplies and amplifies the home’s ecological benefits. The effective capture of rainwater is supported by a well-designed gutter system that integrates neatly into the overall architecture.

The roof assembly is crafted using CNC machining for precise construction. It includes additional insulation made from hemp wool, which further enhances energy efficiency. The overhang also serves to protect the space below while playing an important role in capturing rainwater, reinforcing the microhome's commitment to sustainability.

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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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