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Photovoltaic-Enhanced Housing Designed with Insulated Panels and Community Engagement

Photovoltaic-Enhanced Housing Designed with Insulated Panels and Community Engagement
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Utilizing insulated panels and photovoltaic technology, this housing initiative integrates communal spaces within a sustainable framework to address the challenge of affordable living in Los Angeles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes KingSpan insulated panels for enhanced thermal performance and durability.
02
Incorporates rooftop photovoltaic panels to promote renewable energy use.
03
Features flexible modular unit designs to adapt to community needs.
04
Integrates landscaped communal areas to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Employs tankless water heaters to optimize space and energy efficiency.

## Overview

The Tail Neighborhood architectural design project addresses homelessness in Los Angeles, a city facing a substantial housing crisis affecting approximately 75,158 individuals. The initiative focuses on repurposing surplus parking lots to create affordable housing units. This approach not only utilizes underused land but also seeks to foster community connections through thoughtfully designed living environments.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Tail Neighborhood consists of two-story residential units arranged along a central pedestrian promenade, promoting social interaction among residents. The first floor of each unit features an open-plan living area, kitchen, and dining space, designed to support the needs of small families and individuals. The upper level comprises private sleeping quarters, with flexible arrangements in two of the four units to accommodate diverse tenant needs.

### Material Innovation and Sustainability

A selection of durable and sustainable materials underpins the design. KingSpan insulated panels are employed for their weather resistance and energy efficiency, while photovoltaic panels installed on rooftops harness solar energy to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources. Tankless water heaters and zoned HVAC systems enhance comfort and efficiency within the residences. Additionally, concrete features create resilient outdoor spaces, complemented by wooden accents to soften the overall aesthetic. This combination of thoughtful material choices and sustainable systems aligns with the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and user comfort.

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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

`
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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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