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Self-Sufficient Microhome Constructed with Quadcore Insulated Panels and Timber Flooring for Hilltop Vendors

Self-Sufficient Microhome Constructed with Quadcore Insulated Panels and Timber Flooring for Hilltop Vendors
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Constructed with QuadCore insulated panels and timber flooring, the self-sufficient microhome serves as a vital stop for hilltop vendors, providing essential living and commerce spaces in a challenging mountainous environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with QuadCore insulated panels for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features modular units that allow for quick assembly and customization based on vendor needs.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water supply.
04
Designed with an outdoor terrace fostering community interaction among users.
05
Utilizes biotanks for efficient waste management in a remote environment.

## Project Overview
The Trail Trader's Kit is a microhome designed for hilltop vendors along hiking trails in Southeast Asia, serving as a practical solution for the challenges faced by both merchants and hikers. This modular structure integrates essential living, storage, and commercial spaces, thus facilitating economic activities while providing hikers with a reliable rest stop.

## Architectural Composition
The design comprises modular units that are easily transportable and assembled on-site. It includes a main unit equipped with a bedroom for two individuals, a bathroom, and storage area. Supporting units incorporate a multipurpose kitchen, dining, and working area that encourages communal interaction, and there are utilities for rainwater harvesting and waste management. An outdoor terrace serves as a gathering space for users, enhancing the social experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Key materials chosen for their structural and environmental performance include QuadCore insulated roof and wall panels that provide thermal control and durability, alongside timber flooring for comfort and aesthetic integration within the natural landscape. Louvered windows promote natural ventilation and lighting, while solar panels and water harvesting systems support energy independence and resource accessibility. The design's adaptability allows for modifications to fit the vendor’s specific needs and local climatic conditions, reinforcing its focus on sustainability and user experience.

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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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