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Modular Microhome Crafted with Galvanized Steel and Insulated Panels for Sustainable Living

Modular Microhome Crafted with Galvanized Steel and Insulated Panels for Sustainable Living
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Crafted from galvanized steel and insulated panels, this modular microhome offers flexible living solutions tailored for sustainable rural environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with galvanized steel for enhanced durability and structural integrity.
02
Incorporates high-performance insulated panels to achieve energy efficiency.
03
Designed for flexible configurations to support various living arrangements.
04
Features a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency.
05
Utilizes smart home technology for modern convenience in a compact space.

### Overview

This proposal presents a modular microhome designed for rural environments, emphasizing affordability, sustainability, and adaptability. The project aims to address housing accessibility challenges while fostering a connection to the natural landscape. Its versatile configuration allows for a wide range of applications, from personal residences to community spaces, making it suitable for small rural populations.

### Spatial Efficiency and User Experience

The microhome features a thoughtfully optimized interior layout that prioritizes functionality and comfort. Flexible room configurations cater to varied uses, such as residential, office, or educational spaces. Modern finishes, including homogeneous vinyl flooring and marble-effect glass wall panels, complement modular furniture solutions that enhance space efficiency. The design encourages active interaction among residents and promotes communal living while ensuring privacy where necessary.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project utilizes durable, high-performance materials that balance structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. Key components consist of galvanized steel for the structural frame and Kingspan's lightweight, energy-efficient panels for walls and roofing. Natural materials, such as bonded wood elements, contribute warmth and visual interest. Sustainability is a core consideration, with features like a rainwater harvesting system and high-efficiency solar panels integrated to minimize resource consumption and support energy independence.

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Enter an open architecture
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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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