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Honeycomb Cardboard Housing Integrated with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Lorenzo Di Pardo, Beatrice Fusilli
Honeycomb Cardboard Housing Integrated with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Living
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Combining honeycomb cardboard construction with vertical gardens and a micro-farming system, this solution offers a sustainable living environment tailored for students and urban dwellers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes honeycomb cardboard for lightweight and sustainable construction.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance air quality and food accessibility.
03
Features a micro-farming system to promote local food production.
04
Designed to adapt for urban, rural, and university environments.
05
Facilitates community engagement through an accessible assembly process.

Blocks is an innovative housing design that aims to meet the needs of various living environments, including urban neighborhoods, countryside areas, and university campuses. The central idea focuses on the modular nature of a wooden cube, which can be easily turned into functional living spaces. With a design that emphasizes flexibility, the project incorporates essential technologies such as water recycling and solar energy. It ultimately seeks to provide affordable and adaptable housing for professional couples, students, and workers.

Modularity and Functionality

The design of Blocks utilizes a modular approach, allowing units to serve multiple functions while minimizing the environmental footprint. Each unit includes essential facilities: a shower room, toilet, sleeping area, working space, kitchen, dining, and living areas, as well as space for utilities. This thoughtful arrangement encourages effective movement and interaction among occupants while addressing the basic needs of modern living.

Construction and Assembly

Blocks simplifies the construction process, making it easier for communities to become involved in the building of their own homes. Key phases include anchoring the structure, wall assembly, and roof construction, which contribute to the adaptability of each unit according to the unique requirements of its residents. This user-friendly approach fosters a sense of ownership among occupants, creating a supportive community atmosphere.

Sustainable Design Features

A unique aspect of Blocks is the inclusion of vertical gardens and micro-farming systems. These components serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They enhance air quality while providing residents with access to fresh produce, reinforcing the project’s focus on sustainability. By integrating these features, the design encourages community engagement, connecting residents with their environment in meaningful ways.

Materiality

The units utilize honeycomb cardboard as a primary structural element. This material is lightweight yet strong, ensuring the integrity of each module while remaining environmentally friendly. Additionally, Ipe wood trim is employed for its durability, contributing to the overall sustainability and longevity of the structure.

The layout of Blocks stands out through its interconnected living spaces and clear pathways. It reflects careful planning that prioritizes functional living while embracing sustainability and community involvement. The thoughtful arrangement of each element reveals a design that responds to the real needs of its users, all within a framework that considers the greater urban landscape.

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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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