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Reed-Crafted Microhome Focused on Space Efficiency and Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Leonie Schaller, Frederike Strauch
Reed-Crafted Microhome Focused on Space Efficiency and Natural Ventilation
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Crafted from renewable reed, this compact microhome emphasizes natural light and ventilation, creating an adaptable living space tailored for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from renewable reed, promoting sustainability.
02
Includes flexible cabinetry for quick spatial transformation.
03
Optimized for natural ventilation with strategically placed openings.
04
Designed for accessibility, suitable for all age groups.
05
100% biodegradable materials ensure a minimal environmental impact.

The recent microhome concept addresses the needs of modern living, particularly in urban areas where space is limited. It combines sleeping, working, dining, and leisure areas into a compact unit. The overall design focuses on flexibility and sustainability, reflecting changing lifestyles and the increasing importance of comfortable, functional spaces in everyday life.

Design Concept

The goal is to create a living space that can change according to the user’s needs. A flexible cabinet system allows the residents to adapt the layout easily as their activities shift throughout the day. This arrangement supports a variety of functions in a small area, enhancing usability without sacrificing comfort.

Material Selection

Reed is a key material used in construction. It has a long history of use in building due to its environmental benefits. Reed needs little energy to produce and helps absorb carbon dioxide as it grows. Using this renewable resource supports sustainable practices while providing characteristics that resist moisture, making it a practical choice for a dwelling.

Environmental Considerations

The design also promotes natural light and airflow. Carefully placed windows and roof openings maximize ventilation and brightness inside the home. This attention to environmental comfort plays an important role in improving the living experience within a compact space.

The microhome is designed to be fully biodegradable due to its natural materials and the way the parts connect. This design approach emphasizes sustainability, allowing the building’s materials to return to nature after their use. This integration of functionality with ecological awareness leads to a clear vision of how homes can support both daily life and environmental responsibility.

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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

`
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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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