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Modular Housing Powered by Solar Energy and Crafted from Recycled Materials

Modular Housing Powered by Solar Energy and Crafted from Recycled Materials
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Constructed with recycled materials and powered by solar energy, this modular housing solution enhances urban living by integrating community spaces and promoting sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates vertical gardens to improve air quality and biodiversity.
04
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to user needs.
05
Utilizes solar panels for energy efficiency and reduces reliance on municipal power.

### Project Overview
"Breathing in the In-Between Space" is an architectural initiative located in the Sichuan North Road neighborhood of Shanghai, aimed at addressing contemporary urban challenges. The project focuses on integrating environmentally sustainable housing solutions within existing urban frameworks, promoting community enhancement while prioritizing economic and ecological viability.

### Spatial Planning Strategy
The spatial strategy emphasizes the integration of private living units with communal areas. Through innovative spatial diagrams, the design articulates the interaction between public and private spaces, including transitional zones intended to foster social engagement. Living units are characterized by modularity, allowing flexibility in arrangements. Adjustable furnishings and telescopic units enhance spatial efficiency, adapting to the varying needs of residents. Community areas are purposefully designed to facilitate interaction while maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the neighborhood.

### Sustainable Materiality
The project employs a range of sustainable materials that reinforce its environmental objectives. Key materials include:

- **KingSpan Quadcore KS Flat** for superior insulation and structural integrity.
- **Recycled Telescopic Metal Frames** providing durability and sustainability in the structure's support system.
- **Silk Plaster** offering eco-friendliness and acoustic benefits for interior surfaces.
- **Cork Flooring** enhancing thermal comfort and sound insulation.
- **Recycled WPC Decking** extending usable outdoor space.

Additionally, ecological features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and vertical greening strategies contribute to the sustainability ethos by promoting energy efficiency and enhancing urban biodiversity.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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

`
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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