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Seaweed Panels and Coconut Timber Create a Self-Sufficient Micro Home Emphasizing Sustainable Living

Seaweed Panels and Coconut Timber Create a Self-Sufficient Micro Home Emphasizing Sustainable Living
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Incorporating seaweed panels and coconut timber, this micro home on Netra Island utilizes renewable materials and innovative design to promote sustainable living while providing a functional and communal space for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced seaweed panels for insulation and sustainability.
02
Utilizes coconut timber as a primary structural material for its strength and renewability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and airflow.
04
Includes interlocking recycled blocks that enhance stability and reduce waste.
05
Integrates micro farming capabilities to support self-sufficient living for residents.

### Overview
Located on Netra Island in the Arabian Sea, the Horizon Edge project addresses sustainability and social equity in housing amidst growing urbanization and climate change challenges. This micro-home initiative integrates eco-friendly practices with modern living, aiming to serve as a model for future developments in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly in the context of Netra Island’s designation as a biodiversity hotspot in 2007.

### Environmental Response
The architectural design is informed by the island's tropical climate, marked by temperatures averaging 28°C to 30°C. The project optimally utilizes natural ventilation and sunlight through strategically placed openings. Analyzing sun and wind patterns has guided the building's orientation, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency. The A-frame structure aids in efficient water runoff and provides structural resilience against wind forces while maximizing views and daylighting potential.

### Material Selection
Material choices reflect a strong commitment to sustainability. Key components include seaweed roof panels for insulation, locally sourced coconut timber for structural elements, and recycled interlocking blocks that repurpose waste into valuable resources. Photovoltaic solar panels provide renewable energy, bolstering the project’s energy independence, while hydrogel insulation panels effectively regulate internal temperatures. These selections not only emphasize environmental responsibility but also minimize maintenance requirements, ensuring long-term functionality.

### Spatial Configuration
The interior layout emphasizes efficient use of space, featuring designated areas for sleeping, cooking, and communal activities. The ground floor includes living, kitchen, and dining spaces to facilitate social interaction, while the mezzanine accommodates private sleeping areas, maintaining an open flow. Multifunctional elements, such as foldable furniture and convertible areas, maximize utility within the compact design, exemplifying effective spatial management that enhances user comfort.

### Sustainability Practices
The project incorporates advanced strategies for waste and water management, including rainwater harvesting systems and facilities for waste separation, aimed at reducing resource consumption. Smart technology is integrated to monitor and optimize energy use, further minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the inclusion of micro-farming capabilities encourages residents to produce their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and supporting local ecosystems.

Through these elements, the Horizon Edge project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to modern housing that prioritizes ecological integrity and community engagement while remaining financially viable.

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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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