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Sliding Box Structure Utilizing Kingspan and Natural Ventilation for Compact Living

Sliding Box Structure Utilizing Kingspan and Natural Ventilation for Compact Living
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Employing a sliding box mechanism and Kingspan materials, this compact residence integrates natural ventilation and flexible living spaces to respond to modern housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sliding box-in-box construction for expandable living space.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water use.
03
Features large glass panels for enhanced natural light and outdoor connection.
04
Constructed with lightweight Kingspan materials for quick assembly.
05
Employs natural ventilation strategies to reduce energy consumption.

**Overview**
The TURTLEhouse project is located in an urban context and aims to address contemporary housing challenges through a sustainable architectural approach. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in residential spaces, supporting diverse lifestyle needs while fostering a connection to the environment. The concept draws inspiration from the protective characteristics of a turtle’s shell, allowing for both privacy and engagement with the external surroundings.

**Spatial Configuration and Functionality**
Central to the design is an innovative sliding box-in-box construction, enabling the structure to expand and contract. This feature provides approximately 6 square meters of additional usable space when extended, addressing the limitations of compact living environments. The layout accommodates multiple functions—living, working, and sleeping—by adapting to user preferences. This versatility is critical in urban settings where space is at a premium, allowing residents to modify their living arrangements as needed. Expansive glass panels enhance natural lighting and create a sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting an active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**
The material choices for the TURTLEhouse emphasize durability and environmental responsibility. Kingspan products serve as the primary structural framework due to their lightweight properties, while modular lightweight steel structures contribute to the overall integrity and functionality of the sliding mechanism. Additionally, the integration of sustainable materials minimizes the ecological footprint throughout the building's lifecycle. Efficient systems, including rainwater harvesting and passive solar tubes for daylighting, exemplify the building's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, further reducing reliance on traditional energy sources while maintaining comfortable living conditions.

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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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