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Inviting Hothouse Structure Featuring Recycled Surfaces and Insulated Sleep Capsules for Cyclists

Authors:
Álvaro Pedrayes, Clara Castañeda
Inviting Hothouse Structure Featuring Recycled Surfaces and Insulated Sleep Capsules for Cyclists
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A compact hothouse structure with a polycarbonate rooftop and insulated sleeping capsules provides cyclists with a functional rest stop designed for comfort and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Four wooden pillars provide structural support while allowing for adaptable configurations.
02
Polycarbonate rooftop maximizes natural light and weather protection in a compact footprint.
03
Insulated sleeping capsules enhance comfort for overnight cyclists in varying climates.
04
Recycled surfaces are integrated into the interior finishes, promoting sustainability.
05
The design serves as a lantern at night, guiding cyclists toward a restful stop.

The Changing Hive is a modular and adaptable rest stop designed for cyclists, situated within a natural setting. The overall design emphasizes flexibility, allowing users to adjust the structure according to their needs and the environment. It promotes engagement with the outdoors while providing essential amenities in a compact format.

Structural Framework
The foundation of The Changing Hive consists of four wooden pillars that offer stability and facilitate various configurations. These pillars allow the structure to adjust to different landscapes, making it versatile and functional in various contexts. The layers of the design can be overlapped or removed based on user requirements, ensuring that each visit can be tailored.

Material Selection
The secondary frame is made from assembled wood and features interior finishes that incorporate recycled surfaces. This choice of materials enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere of the space while supporting ecological values. A polycarbonate rooftop adds to the design by allowing natural light to brighten the interior, creating a lively environment for users.

Functionality
In its basic form, The Changing Hive includes essential features like covered bike racks, a table, and seating crafted from recycled or plywood materials. As a deluxe version, the space expands its offerings to include a kitchenette, shower cubicle, and WC. The lower level comprises communal areas, while the upper floor houses insulated private sleeping capsules, effectively utilizing the available space.

Climate Adaptability
The design addresses climate considerations, allowing the structure to function as a hothouse during colder months by retaining heat. Meanwhile, its lightweight design promotes ventilation in warmer weather, enhancing overall comfort for users throughout the year.

At night, the exterior glows softly, turning the Hive into a beacon that lights up the surrounding area and guides cyclists who seek a moment of rest.

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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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