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Relocatable Trapezoidal Microhomes with off-Grid Energy Solutions

Authors:
Johnathan Li, Louis Marchini, Daniel Lay
Relocatable Trapezoidal Microhomes with off-Grid Energy Solutions
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Built from trapezoidal microhomes designed for relocation, the off-grid dwellings incorporate energy-generating turbines and water collection systems, offering a sustainable living solution for residents facing climate change challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Microhomes are constructed from two trapezoidal prisms to optimize space and adaptability.
02
Each unit features an adjustable blind system for enhanced privacy control.
03
Off-grid energy turbines are integrated within the hull to generate renewable power.
04
Water collection tanks are built into the design, ensuring self-sufficiency for residents.
05
Recharge stations are strategically located along migration routes to support mobility.

"Typhoon 2087" focuses on creating sustainable housing solutions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where climate change poses significant risks. As sea levels rise and natural disasters become more frequent, the design addresses the urgent need for flexible living spaces. The concept centers on relocatable off-grid boat housing, enabling residents to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining a connection to their community.

Microhome Design

The design features a microhome made of two trapezoidal prisms. These prisms are arranged to provide distinct functional areas. One module contains essential spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom, making them readily accessible. The other module offers a flexible living space that can be reconfigured as needed. An adjustable blind system gives residents control over privacy, creating a comfortable environment that can adapt to various situations.

Sustainability Features

Sustainable living is a key aspect of the design. The microhome incorporates off-grid systems that include water collection tanks and energy-collecting turbines integrated into the boat's hull. This setup allows the dwelling to operate independently from conventional utilities. Such features not only promote self-sufficiency but also minimize the environmental footprint of the housing solution.

Mobility and Infrastructure

The design considers the importance of mobility. Recharge stations are positioned along migration routes in major cities and towns. This infrastructure supports moving residents by providing vital resources, making the living solution practical and accessible. The thoughtful placement of these stations reflects an understanding of community needs in areas affected by climate change.

The project also emphasizes the role of the Mekong River as a migration route. This geographical consideration enhances the practicality of the boat housing and ties the design to broader issues of mobility and adaptation to urban challenges. Residents can navigate their surroundings more easily, allowing for a connection to their environment and community, emphasizing resilience in design.

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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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