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Portable Living Solution Featuring Kingspan Panels and Biophilic Design Principles

Portable Living Solution Featuring Kingspan Panels and Biophilic Design Principles
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Constructed from KingSpan panels and designed for adaptability, this compact dwelling integrates biophilic elements to promote a sustainable living environment for two occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with KingSpan Sandwich Panels for superior insulation and efficiency.
02
Features a portable design that allows for easy transportation and relocation.
03
Incorporates a bicycle mechanism to generate electricity from user activity.
04
Utilizes PentaClad™ panels for daylighting while ensuring durability and weather resistance.
05
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.

### Overview

The "MICRO" project is an exploration of micro-living, designed to facilitate sharing, healing, and productivity within a compact spatial framework. Located in an environment that requires resource-efficient solutions, the design reconsiders traditional living arrangements, proposing a model that prioritizes functionality and sustainability while optimizing a limited area of 24.98 square meters. The approach emphasizes shared residential experiences, catering to two occupants through an innovative layout that balances communal interaction with personal privacy.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

This micro-home employs a functional diagram that differentiates areas for essential activities, living, communal sharing, personal healing, and productive endeavors. Each designated space serves distinct purposes, yet allows for fluid transitions between them. Notable features include adjustable smart furniture that accommodates various uses, such as sleeping, dining, and storage, as well as an efficient water circulation system designed to enhance comfort and hygiene. The integration of cycling units enables residents to convert physical activity into electricity, promoting self-sufficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A carefully curated selection of materials underpins the project, optimizing both functionality and environmental responsibility. Noteworthy components include the KingSpan Solatube 160 ISn for natural lighting and energy efficiency, various KingSpan sandwich panels for insulation, and polycarbonate cladding to facilitate daylighting while ensuring durability. The inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system, a waste recycling mechanism, and photovoltaic solar panels emphasizes a commitment to sustainability. The structural framework utilizes a steel core for resilience, while natural pine wood adds an aesthetic element to the interior.

Through these design considerations, the "MICRO" project illustrates a comprehensive approach to sustainable living, positioning itself as a viable model for future architectural endeavors in resource-constrained settings.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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