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Rainwater Harvesting with Translucent Panels and Sustainable Wooden Structures

Authors:
Ruo Shen, Yihan Zhou
Rainwater Harvesting with Translucent Panels and Sustainable Wooden Structures
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Utilizing translucent panels for optimized natural light and integrated rainwater harvesting, the design emphasizes sustainability through the use of wooden structures, creating a residence that fosters harmony between modern living and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent panels to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
03
Features a biotic relationship with nature through regular tree planting.
04
Employs a personal carbon trading fund to incentivize eco-friendly living.
05
Constructed with locally sourced plywood and pine for minimal environmental impact.

The Leaves House project reflects a careful design that prioritizes sustainable living in its everyday context. Established in an environment that requires thoughtful environmental engagement, the house serves as a residence that encourages a lifestyle connected to nature. The overall design emphasizes a shift from traditional consumerism to an approach that values ecological responsibility.

Design Concept

Leaves House incorporates the ideas of personal carbon trading and green value into its framework. The personal carbon trading fund allows residents to measure their contributions to reducing carbon emissions based on their individual choices. This system promotes awareness and encourages a shared commitment to sustainability within the community. The green value aspect incentivizes residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices, making sustainability a part of their daily lives.

Biotic Relationship with Nature

The design emphasizes a meaningful connection to the natural environment. Trees are planted regularly, serving both as a resource for construction and as a means to enhance local biodiversity. The building features areas for rainwater collection, which helps manage moisture levels in the environment. These elements work together to create a space where nature and architecture support one another, fostering a healthier ecological system.

Material Selection

Leaves House uses materials that prioritize durability and energy efficiency. Plywood and pine planks provide essential structural support while adding warmth to the aesthetics. An insulation layer improves energy consumption, making the house more comfortable throughout the seasons. Sheet aluminum contributes to a robust, weather-resistant outer layer. Double-layer glass enhances the flow of natural light while reducing heat loss, which is essential for maintaining a stable indoor climate.

Design Features

Notable features of Leaves House include translucent polycarbonate panels, which allow natural light to permeate the interior. These panels also contribute to the building's energy efficiency by optimizing sunlight. The wooden posts and structure create a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape, enriching the experience of both spaces. Each design choice serves to reinforce the connection between indoor living and the natural world outside.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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