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Movable Walls and Sustainable Living in a Compact Home

Author:
Rania Hijab
Movable Walls and Sustainable Living in a Compact Home
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With movable walls that allow for flexible living arrangements and a focus on sustainability through rainwater collection and solar energy, this compact home redefines modern residential function.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable walls allow for customizable interior layouts.
02
Rainwater collection system enhances resource efficiency.
03
Integrated solar energy system supports off-grid living.
04
Flexible furniture design maximizes limited space.
05
Herb garden promotes self-sufficiency and sustainability.

The Microhome project is a thoughtful response to the changing needs of modern living, focused on sustainability and adaptability. This compact residential unit is designed to offer essential amenities while making the most of limited space. The overall concept emphasizes multifunctionality, allowing residents to shape their living experience within a small footprint.

Flexible Design

The floor plan includes important living spaces, such as a closet, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and a convertible sofa/bed. Each area is carefully arranged to encourage smooth movement and functional use of space. Movable walls enhance this flexibility, giving residents the ability to change their environment based on current needs. This approach effectively minimizes the constraints commonly associated with microhomes.

Sustainability Integration

One of the main focuses of the Microhome is its dedication to sustainable practices. A solar system is integrated to provide electricity and may also supply heating for water. This aligns with the modern goal of reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. Complementing this is a rainwater collection system, which includes filtration for use in the bathroom and for watering plants, encouraging stronger connections between residents and their local ecology.

Multifunctional Elements

The design incorporates multifunctional furniture, such as foldable sofa/bed units and tables, which are essential in optimizing the small living space. These features allow for versatility without sacrificing comfort, ensuring that the home remains functional and welcoming. Careful attention to the design of furniture reflects an understanding of the need for practical solutions in compact living while retaining an inviting atmosphere.

Innovative Resource Management

Encouraging self-sufficiency, the design includes provisions for growing fresh herbs within the home. This feature not only supports sustainable living but also allows residents to engage with their environment. By integrating food production into daily life, the microhome becomes more than just a space for shelter; it fosters a holistic lifestyle that emphasizes the relationship between living spaces and resource management.

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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.

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