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Petal-Inspired Compact Home Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Enhanced with Solar Technology

Authors:
Iablonskaia Ekaterina, Boldyreva Anastasiia, Terteryan Artem, Dyakonov Nikita
Petal-Inspired Compact Home Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Enhanced with Solar Technology
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Crafted from petal-inspired folding elements and sustainable timber, this compact home integrates solar technology to provide an adaptable living space that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Petal-inspired folding mechanism allows for adaptable living space.
02
Constructed with sustainable cross-laminated timber for enhanced durability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic character.
04
Integrated solar panels support energy self-sufficiency in the design.
05
Large glass panels create a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.

### Overview

The *Flower House* is situated in Iceland and presents a novel approach to sustainable architecture by emphasizing adaptable living spaces that engage with the surrounding natural landscape. This design aims to integrate built environments with ecological considerations, responding to the unique characteristics of the region’s unspoiled terrain.

### Conceptual Framework

This structure is characterized by its portable and transformable design, inspired by the natural process of a flower blooming. It features a folding mechanism that allows for expansion and contraction, adapting its size and form to various environmental contexts. The initial compact form facilitates transportation, while the unfolding process creates an inviting space for occupants. The interior configuration is strategically organized to ensure functionality and a strong connection to the outdoors, enhancing the livability of the space. Additionally, the house can be secured for protection against adverse weather conditions without compromising its visual appeal.

### Materiality and Ecological Integration

The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in achieving the design’s sustainability goals. The primary use of sustainable wood not only promotes environmental responsibility but also contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Solar panels are integrated into the roof, enabling energy self-sufficiency, while large glass panels enhance natural lighting and provide panoramic views of the landscape. High-quality insulation materials are utilized to regulate indoor temperatures, ensuring comfort in varying climates. The design employs passive solar principles, optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources by facilitating airflow and maximizing natural light within the structure.

This ecological sensitivity, coupled with flexible design features, enables the *Flower House* to serve various purposes, from temporary accommodations for tourism to permanent community spaces. The striking visual identity, marked by bright colors and organic shapes, fosters an artistic dialogue with Iceland’s rugged landscape, reinforcing the house's role as both a dwelling and a piece of art in nature.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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