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Screw Piles and Polyethylene Pipes in Compact Living Solutions

Authors:
Thomas Garofalo, Marco Frassetto, Diana Carolina Trejos Bravo, Giulia Negri
Screw Piles and Polyethylene Pipes in Compact Living Solutions
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Utilizing screw piles and a polyethylene water management system, the design offers a compact, self-sufficient living space that adapts to various environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes screw piles for anchoring without invasive ground excavation.
02
Incorporates a polyethylene pipe system for efficient water storage and passive heating.
03
Features foldaway furniture for adaptable interior space usage.
04
Employs thin-film solar modules for complete energy self-sufficiency.
05
Designed as a flexible, off-grid solution for diverse environmental settings.

The WILD CORE SLEEPING PODS project is an innovative solution for minimal impact living. Designed to efficiently utilize a compact area of under 20 m², the structure combines essential elements such as storage, a bathroom, and a sleeping space. The focus is on self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on traditional utility services. This design offers a modern response to the challenge of sustainable living while fitting into a variety of natural settings.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout puts flexibility at the forefront. A functional core groups utility spaces together, allowing for a larger main area that can serve multiple purposes. Retractable and foldaway furniture is integrated into the design, which enables users to adapt the space according to their needs. This thoughtful arrangement supports a range of activities within a limited footprint.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key principle behind the design. Thin-film solar modules produce renewable energy, supplying power to the pod's electrical systems and heat pump. This method reduces energy costs while providing reliable heating and cooling. Additionally, a water management system utilizing polyethylene pipes offers storage for a week’s worth of clean water. This system also benefits from passive heating techniques, ensuring an efficient approach to water use.

Construction Methodology

The construction process is designed for efficiency and minimal environmental disruption. The structure is anchored by screw piles, which are installed without significant excavation. This allows for fast installation and straightforward removal if necessary. The assembly features paired wooden pillars and prefabricated panels, making the building process quick while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

Design Integration

A standout feature of the design is its adaptability to different environments. The sleeping pod can be placed in a variety of natural settings without harming the landscape. Large glass doors open to an outdoor deck, creating a strong connection between the inside and outside. This design choice promotes fresh air and natural light, enhancing the overall living experience. The structure emphasizes a conscious relationship with nature, offering a practical solution for modern living.

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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.

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