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Roof Cabins in Local Stone with Solar Collectors Offering Communal Living Solutions

Authors:
Kai Yang Wu, Yi Min Cui, Stone Chuang, Chun Huang
Roof Cabins in Local Stone with Solar Collectors Offering Communal Living Solutions
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Roof cabins constructed from local stone and surrounded by solar collectors create a sustainable environment for communal living within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Roof cabins utilize local stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Solar collectors are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency.
03
The design incorporates modular forms for efficient construction and flexibility.
04
Communal spaces are embedded within the layout to foster social interaction.
05
Prefabricated elements streamline the building process while minimizing waste.

### Project Overview
Located in a hilly region, the design addresses the need for a community-oriented lodging facility comprising two types of huts, which serve both guests and staff. The layout prioritizes environmental responsiveness and energy efficiency while fostering social connectivity. The site’s gentle slope informs the spatial arrangement, encouraging integration with the natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout features two distinct hut types adapted for various functions. **Hut Type 1** consists of a two-story structure, with the ground floor accommodating essential amenities such as showers, kitchen, mechanical storage, and communal areas, while the second floor provides additional accommodation space. In contrast, **Hut Type 2** is designed with a more complex spatial organization that includes essential facilities like a solar converter and water purification system, enhancing the utility of the space. The arrangement facilitates community interaction through open communal areas, promoting a social atmosphere among residents and guests.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A focus on sustainability characterizes the material selection for the project. Predominantly, **prefabricated steel** ensures structural stability, while **tempered glass** enhances natural light and energy efficiency. The use of **light-weight wood partitions** creates a warm interior environment, and local stone materials are incorporated to minimize transportation impacts while harmonizing with the surroundings. Systems such as solar converters and water purifiers support the huts' sustainability by utilizing renewable resources for energy and ensuring safe drinking water in remote areas. Additionally, rainwater collection and purification systems contribute to the overall self-sufficiency of water resources.

The design integrates two proposed energy systems: a solar heat collecting system for heating requirements, supported by a diesel generator as a backup, and a solar photovoltaic power generation system for electricity, reflecting a commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

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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

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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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