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Rooftop Micro-Homes with Polyiso Insulation and Biogas Energy Solutions

Authors:
Christina Ioannidou, Evangelia Papaspyrou, Chrysoula Tsaousidou, Anastastia Valsamaki
Rooftop Micro-Homes with Polyiso Insulation and Biogas Energy Solutions
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Incorporating biogas technology and polyiso insulation, this initiative transforms underutilized rooftop spaces in Athens into efficient micro-homes designed for sustainable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates rainwater collection systems to enhance resource efficiency.
02
Movable wall panels allow residents to customize their living spaces.
03
Each micro-home incorporates biogas technology for energy generation.
04
Polyiso insulation ensures high thermal efficiency throughout the year.
05
Shared outdoor areas foster community engagement among residents.

The design initiative in Athens, Greece, explores the potential of rooftop spaces by converting them into micro-homes. This approach addresses the city's significant housing challenges, marked by a shortage of affordable options amid high population density. The overall concept focuses on sustainability and building community, creating living spaces that merge comfort with practicality in a vibrant urban setting.

Flexible Living Spaces
- Movable wall panels are a key feature in the micro-homes, allowing residents to adjust their living areas according to personal needs. This adaptability maximizes the use of limited space while promoting individuality. The open layout encourages interaction among residents and integrates outdoor areas designed for communal activities.

Energy Efficiency
- These micro-homes aim to function independently from traditional energy sources. Solar energy is captured through carefully positioned openings and solar panels, providing much of the required power. Additionally, biogas technology converts organic waste into energy for cooking and heating, reducing reliance on external utilities and supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Resource Conservation
- The design includes rainwater collection systems, which allow homeowners to manage water resources effectively. Rainwater is filtered and stored for various uses, enhancing sustainability. This approach not only benefits the residents but also minimizes the ecological footprint of the living spaces.

Thermal Efficiency
- Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining comfortable temperatures within the micro-homes. The combination of polyiso insulation and high-density cellulose ensures effective temperature control throughout the year. Clear zoning helps define different functional areas, while the inclusion of a mezzanine optimizes vertical space, adding utility to small living areas.

Shared outdoor spaces further encourage neighborly interactions, creating a cohesive community atmosphere in an otherwise crowded urban environment. This thoughtful approach addresses both housing shortages and the need for social connection.

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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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