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Skylit Tiny House Surrounded by Nature with Composting Features and Wooden Facade

Authors:
Roozbeh Khodadadi, Mohammad Akbari, Amin Baraz
Skylit Tiny House Surrounded by Nature with Composting Features and Wooden Facade
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With a wooden facade inspired by coniferous trees and strategically placed skylights, the design embraces sustainability through rainwater collection and composting features while providing comfortable living in a compact space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wooden facade design is inspired by coniferous trees.
02
Skylights are strategically placed for optimal natural light.
03
Rainwater collection system supports sustainable living.
04
Composting toilet contributes to eco-friendly waste management.
05
Compact layout efficiently utilizes space without sacrificing comfort.

The design of the tiny house emphasizes the idea of living freely in nature, supporting a lifestyle that connects residents with their environment. This compact dwelling aims for efficiency and practicality, appealing to those who wish to simplify their lives while still enjoying modern comforts.

Design Inspiration

The exterior of the house draws inspiration from the forms of coniferous trees. This reference to nature is reflected in the facade, which promotes unity between the structure and its surroundings. The design enhances the visual connection to the landscape, enriching the overall experience of the space.

Spatial Organization

The building offers an adaptable layout, with sizes that range from 22 to 32 square meters on the ground floor. This area houses key functions such as a reception room, kitchen, and an upper floor with a bedroom and bathroom. The design maximizes the use of space, ensuring everything needed for comfortable living is included without excess.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design philosophy. A rainwater collection and filtration system provides a renewable water source for daily needs. This approach reduces dependence on municipal supplies and encourages conservation. Additionally, water recycling and composting toilet waste into fertilizer highlight a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Skylights and longitudinal windows are key elements of the design, allowing ample natural light to fill the interior. These features not only provide occupants with views of the sky and stars but also aid in ventilation. The careful placement of these windows creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the living experience in a compact space.

One notable detail is the dual-window structure on the roof, which offers unobstructed views of the surroundings. This design choice promotes a deeper connection with the environment while ensuring that natural light floods the interior, making it feel larger and more open.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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