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Rooftop Micro-Living with Water-Harvesting Systems

Authors:
Eu Jin See, Munifah Wani Binte Abdul Rahim, Nur Syazana Binti Jumadi, Tan Jun Long Dylan
Rooftop Micro-Living with Water-Harvesting Systems
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Rooftop micro-living units equipped with advanced water-harvesting systems provide sustainable housing solutions in densely populated urban areas, promoting efficient use of limited space while catering to the needs of diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop units maximize urban space without new ground construction.
02
Advanced water-harvesting systems enhance resource self-sufficiency.
03
The design incorporates modular, flat-pack construction for rapid deployment.
04
Units are tailored for diverse urban residents, including nomads and startups.
05
Visible parasitic extensions create a distinct aesthetic contrast with host structures.

The design addresses the issue of land scarcity in urban settings, focusing on the concept of parasitic architecture. Located in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and New York, the objective is to create new living spaces by integrating them into existing structures. The approach seeks to make efficient use of limited space and offers alternative models for urban living, catering to residents such as urban nomads, small families, and startups.

Micro-Living Solutions

Compact homes are proposed for installation on rooftops, maximizing vertical space to create additional housing. This strategy reduces the demand for new ground-level construction while preserving essential land in crowded cities. Each unit prioritizes user comfort and functionality, carefully designed to offer a pleasant living experience despite the constraints of micro-living.

Visual Distinction and Aesthetic Integration

The design features parasitic extensions that visually contrast with their host buildings. This choice highlights the innovative character of the new structures while fostering an engaging relationship with the existing urban environment. The result is an architectural blend that challenges conventional ideas of how buildings can interact with one another and their surroundings.

Sustainable Resource Management

Sustainability is a key focus, with systems in place for managing resources effectively. Each unit captures rainwater and utilizes atmospheric moisture, enabling independence from traditional utility services. This design principle encourages environmentally responsible living, ensuring that residents can minimize their ecological footprint and live sustainably within the urban landscape.

Efficient Construction and Deployment

Logistical considerations play an important role in the project, with flat-pack modular designs that facilitate easy transportation and quick assembly in urban settings. This practical setup makes implementing micro-living solutions more achievable, directly addressing the challenges of urban density.

A noteworthy design detail is the expanded rooftop garden that accompanies the compact units. This feature offers residents green space, blending nature with urban living and enhancing both the aesthetic quality and environmental comfort of the area.

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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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