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Monochrome Retreat Emphasizing Multifunctionality and Natural Light

Author:
Aleksandra Klińska
Monochrome Retreat Emphasizing Multifunctionality and Natural Light
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A compact microhome with extensive glazing and a multifunctional layout, designed to create a harmonious balance of indoor and outdoor living while accommodating the needs of a young couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
A hidden worktop extends from the kitchen wall for space efficiency.
02
The wardrobe doubles as a relaxation area and workspace.
03
Extensive glazing enhances natural light and outdoor views.
04
Rainwater collection is facilitated by a single-fall roof design.
05
Monochrome and blue color scheme creates visual harmony.

The microhome is designed for a young couple, positioned to encourage interaction with nature. It features essential living areas: a kitchen, workspace, bedroom (antresol), bathroom, and compact wardrobe. The design focuses on making the most of a small space while ensuring a strong connection between inside and outside.

Design Integration

The layout promotes a blend of indoor and outdoor living, enhancing the experience for residents. Large windows throughout the facade allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a warm and welcoming environment. This design choice not only looks good, but it also brings the outside in, encouraging the occupants to enjoy their surroundings.

Flexible Space Utilization

Adaptability plays a key role in the design, allowing different areas to serve more than one purpose. Zones within the microhome can be closed off when not in use, helping to maintain an organized look. The kitchen includes a worktop that can be hidden away, and the wardrobe also serves as a lounge or workspace. This flexibility enables the couple to make the most of their living area based on their daily needs.

Sustainable Design Choices

The single-fall roof is a practical element that makes construction easier while supporting sustainable practices. It captures rainwater, which can be used for gardening or other outdoor needs. Well-placed windows enhance insulation and energy efficiency, giving occupants views of the outdoors. These features support an environmentally friendly approach.

Aesthetic Considerations

The color scheme is mostly monochromatic and blue, with wooden accents included in key furnishings. A wooden table and chairs create a warm touch, connecting modern design with familiar elements. This careful selection of materials not only provides a harmonious look but also helps occupants feel at home.

The arrangement of space, light, and materials creates a functional and inviting environment for those living in the microhome.

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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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