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Polycarbonate Roofs and Water Catchment Elevations in Compact Tropical Living

Authors:
Devlin Nathaniel Sebastian, Michael Kornelius
Polycarbonate Roofs and Water Catchment Elevations in Compact Tropical Living
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With a polycarbonate roof and elevated water catchment system, this compact residence offers sustainable living solutions tailored for young professionals in a tropical environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design enhances rainwater collection efficiency.
02
Roof structure accommodates solar panels for energy generation.
03
Polycarbonate material maximizes natural light while minimizing heat.
04
Flexible interior layout supports multifunctional living spaces.
05
Terrace integrates outdoor social interaction areas effectively.

The Gubug Banar is located in a tropical environment and serves as a modern and sustainable living space for young professional couples. The name translates from the ancient Indonesian language to mean a small but spacious home. This design aims to change the common view of traditional gubug housing, often associated with poverty, into a contemporary model that emphasizes efficiency and environmental care. The design combines different functional areas into a clear, cohesive form, achieving a balance between communal and private living.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Gubug Banar consists of several well-defined areas. On the ground floor, the design includes a terrace, living room, pantry or kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, relax room, and storage space. These areas are arranged thoughtfully to encourage social interaction but also maintain privacy. The placement of doors and pathways enhances the living experience while reflecting the demands of modern urban life.

Environmental Design

A key aspect of the design focuses on reducing its environmental impact. The building is elevated to create a water catchment area underneath, which effectively collects rainwater and minimizes disruption to the ground. The tilted roof is designed to hold solar panels, making it easier to gather energy in a tropical setting. These features support a commitment to sustainability, reducing the need for external energy sources and increasing self-sufficiency within the home.

Material Selection

For the roof, polycarbonate material is chosen. This option allows ample natural light to enter the house while helping to regulate temperature. The material is important for enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for the residents, aligning with the project’s goal of being environmentally responsible. The inclusion of rainwater collection systems further emphasizes resource management within the dwelling.

Interior Flexibility

Inside Gubug Banar, the design promotes flexibility and multifunctionality. Cabinets and staircases are crafted to maximize space, allowing different areas of the home to serve multiple purposes as the needs of the residents change. This thoughtful approach reflects the busy lifestyles of young professionals and strikes a balance between usability and visual appeal.

The design offers a range of views throughout the house. Residents can enjoy perspectives from the entrance, bedroom, and relax areas. These careful design decisions promote a connection between indoor spaces and nature, enriching the overall living experience and fostering a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.

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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

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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
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