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Solar Panels and Elevated Structure in a Sustainable Microhome Design

Authors:
Ruben Arcidiacono, Alain Bettelini, Nicola Vidoli
Solar Panels and Elevated Structure in a Sustainable Microhome Design
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Elevated on a single point and featuring integrated solar panels, the design incorporates recycled elements and a vegetable garden to create a sustainable microhome that fosters a strong connection with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure rests on a single point, enhancing site interaction.
02
Integrates a vegetable garden as a functional design element.
03
Incorporates recycled building elements to reduce waste.
04
Features solar panels embedded in the main window for energy efficiency.
05
Positioned to utilize natural light and ventilation effectively.

The project emphasizes balance and sustainability, focusing on recycling building elements to create a functional living space from materials often seen as waste. The design aims to support ecological practices while optimizing resources for future generations. Set between water and ground, the microhome harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, making it both practical and contextually relevant.

Design Concept

Resource availability and sustainability are key elements of the design approach. The project is closely linked to site-specific materials, demonstrating the importance of the environment in shaping architectural choices. A major goal is to encourage a new way of thinking about design, promoting construction practices that ensure materials can be used for generations to come.

Structural Elements

The microhome consists of connected structural components that work together to maintain stability. At the center is the housing unit, which features a covered entrance that is accessed from outside. The house is elevated on a single point or rests on a prominent boulder from the site. This raised position allows for a strong connection with the natural surroundings.

Functional Integration

Above the main structure, a secondary element serves multiple purposes. Designed primarily as a vegetable garden, it also functions as a water collection reserve and establishes a connection to the land beneath. This thoughtful integration of function showcases effective resource management and a commitment to environmental considerations.

Environmental Interaction

The housing unit opens to three sides, allowing considerable interaction with the outside world. This openness enhances natural light and air circulation, improving the quality of the living space. One window includes integrated solar panels, which provide a renewable energy source for the home, illustrating practical energy considerations.

The covered entrance features an overhang that offers protection from the elements while creating a smooth transition from outside to inside, allowing residents to experience the natural environment more fully.

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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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