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Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home

Author:
Cade Mccue
Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home
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A rooftop garden enhances the functionality of a compact micro-home constructed with red cedar and designed to embrace sustainable living through off-grid technologies.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass doors for optimal natural light.
02
The micro-home features a rooftop garden for urban farming opportunities.
03
Red cedar is utilized for its durability and natural decay resistance.
04
The project employs a modular construction method for quick assembly.
05
Off-grid systems include a solar bank and water purification solution.

The architectural design presents an innovative micro-home aimed at balancing economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. Situated in an area that values sustainability, the residence merges naturally with its surroundings. The overall design concept focuses on creating an expansion of living spaces into the outdoors, fostering a close relationship between the inside and outside.

Design Concept

The layout emphasizes the separation between public and private spaces, reducing the need for transitional areas like hallways. Each part of the home is designed to serve a specific function, promoting practicality. Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors invite natural light and create a direct connection to the outdoors. This approach enhances the feeling of space and encourages interaction with the environment.

Material Selection

A focus on sustainable and functional materials is evident throughout the home. Red cedar is a primary material, valued for its durability and natural resistance to decay. This choice connects the design to the landscape while also adding visual warmth. Gypsum board is used for interior finishes, contributing to a modern look. Plywood substrates and softwood framing provide structural support and stability, reinforcing the overall design.

Sustainable Features

The micro-home incorporates off-grid technologies such as a solar bank and a water purification system, emphasizing self-sufficiency. A rooftop garden provides an opportunity for residents to grow plants, blending urban farming with residential life. These features align with current goals of reducing ecological footprints and living in harmony with nature.

Construction Methodology

The method of construction uses modular fabrication, allowing for quick assembly at the site. The home is divided into three modules: a living module, a kitchen module, and a sleeping module. These are fabricated off-site, making the on-site construction process faster and more efficient. This approach not only saves time but also reduces construction waste, supporting environmentally conscious building practices.

The expansive glass doors offer a framed view of the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends indoor comfort with the natural environment.

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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.

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