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Hinged Panels and Natural Ventilation in a Portable Wood Structure

Hinged Panels and Natural Ventilation in a Portable Wood Structure
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Utilizing hinged panels for flexible space adaptation and extensive glass for natural light, the design emphasizes portability and sustainability in a modern living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adjustable hinged panels to transform interior space and airflow.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural stability and aesthetics.
03
Features extensive glass walls for maximizing natural light and outdoor views.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for increased durability and weather resistance.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to facilitate water drainage and energy efficiency.

# Analytical Report on The Folding Dream House

## Overview

Located in a versatile setting, the Folding Dream House employs prefabricated modules to redefine modern housing needs through adaptable design and sustainable practices. The project aims to merge functionality with user-centric spaces, presenting an alternative to traditional residential structures. It emphasizes modularity, allowing for customized configurations that respond to varying site conditions and user preferences.

## Spatial Configuration

The structure comprises two primary prefabricated modules that unfold to reveal an engaging interior space. When closed, they provide a compact, minimalist silhouette that integrates harmoniously with the landscape. Upon opening, the design transitions into a dynamic architectural form, creating a fluid relationship between interior and exterior environments. This adaptability not only promotes functional versatility but also enhances user interaction with the surrounding context.

## Innovative Components

The design incorporates an advanced system of hinged triangular slotted panels that serve both structural and aesthetic functions. These panels can be adjusted to regulate light, shade, and airflow, allowing occupants to respond to seasonal and climatic variations. Additionally, the orientation of the modules has been strategically planned to maximize views while preserving privacy, further enhancing the living experience.

The Folding Dream House also emphasizes sustainability through its off-grid capabilities, which include solar panels and wind power systems. This commitment to ecological responsibility is complemented by its portability, enabling easy relocation and minimal environmental impact. The thoughtful integration of natural materials, such as painted wood and extensive glass, fosters a strong connection with the environment, enriching the overall experience of inhabiting the space.

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

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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