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Rammed Earth and Hemp Insulation in a Compact Community-Focused Dwelling

Rammed Earth and Hemp Insulation in a Compact Community-Focused Dwelling
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Utilizing rammed earth and hemp insulation, this community-focused micro dwelling seamlessly integrates sustainable materials into efficient living spaces designed for modern resilience and social connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal mass and sustainability.
02
Hemp insulation enhances energy efficiency while being eco-friendly.
03
The modular layout allows for flexible use of space and functions.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems support self-sufficiency in resource management.
05
Community pathways encourage social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview
The Pi(x)² micro house is a 25m² dwelling designed to address modern housing challenges through sustainable principles and efficient spatial organization. It emphasizes ecological responsibility while fostering community interaction. The design aims to create a functional and livable space with a minimal environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to both sustainability and collaborative living.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout of the micro house is segmented into distinct functional zones, facilitating various activities such as eating, working, and exercising. This modular configuration maximizes utility in a compact footprint and promotes a sense of spaciousness through an open design. The arrangement encourages fluidity between spaces, fostering both privacy and communal engagement.

### Sustainability and Material Selection
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Pi(x)² micro house, characterized by the use of locally sourced and environmentally sensitive materials. Key features include:

- **Rammed Earth** for walls, providing thermal mass and acoustic benefits.
- **Stained Local Wood** for framing and cladding, connecting the structure to its surroundings while offering natural insulation.
- **Recycled Aluminum** for elements like roofing, promoting ventilation and natural light.
- Additional sustainability strategies such as rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation through a chimney effect, and the inclusion of an integrated vegetable garden support ecological resilience and encourage self-sufficiency among residents.

The design further integrates essential utilities within the architectural volumes, ensuring functional efficiency while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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