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Pivoting Spaces with Photovoltaic Panels and Rainwater Collection

Author:
Paul Duncker
Pivoting Spaces with Photovoltaic Panels and Rainwater Collection
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Equipped with photovoltaic panels and an innovative pivot mechanism, the design efficiently transitions between functions while integrating rainwater collection to support sustainable living for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
The unit can pivot to transform its interior layout based on user needs.
02
It generates and stores electricity through fully integrated photovoltaic panels.
03
Rainwater is collected and stored in expandable bladders within the structure.
04
The design accommodates efficient gray water reuse for irrigation.
05
Modular transport allows for easy relocation by various means, including helicopter.

The Qube is a compact living unit designed for one or two people. It offers a self-sufficient lifestyle, focusing on essential needs such as cooking, sleeping, and bathing. The overall design features a cubic shape, which grants it functionality and adaptability. Its innovative approach allows for easy transportation, making it suitable for different settings, including urban and rural environments.

Modularity and Functionality

Inside, the Qube contains three main areas: a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. This layout encourages users to move between spaces easily by exiting the unit and flipping it over to access the desired room. A unique pivot mechanism uses gravity, winches, and external cables to facilitate this process. Such design creates a flexible living experience while maximizing the use of limited space.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a guiding principle for the Qube. The unit generates and stores its electricity through photovoltaic panels. When the unit is oriented for sleeping, these panels are positioned to capture the most sun. The energy produced is stored in batteries, ensuring that lighting, cooking, and heating operates smoothly at all times. This self-sufficient energy system addresses common concerns about reliance on external power sources.

Water Management Solutions

Water is collected through a system that gathers rainwater on the roof and stores it in flexible bladders inside the unit. This design minimizes water loss, even when the Qube is moved. The unit includes a bathing basin, and gray water from everyday activities can be reused for irrigation in gardens shared among units. This approach promotes resource efficiency while enhancing the overall functionality of the living environment.

Community Living

The design of the Qube fosters a sense of community. In clusters, residents can utilize shared facilities like composting toilets, while smaller portable toilets are available for individual use. This arrangement encourages interaction among residents, balancing private living with communal aspects. The Qube supports both personal needs and a collaborative community, responding effectively to modern living challenges.

Elements like rainwater collection and expandable bladder systems illustrate a commitment to practical sustainability within an efficient compact form.

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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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