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Solar-Powered Home with Expandable Terraces and Water Management System

Author:
Andrew Tirta
Solar-Powered Home with Expandable Terraces and Water Management System
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With its solar panels and expandable terraces, the design supports off-grid living while providing a compact and adaptable home for modern users seeking mobility and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
FlexHome can be easily transported, allowing for relocation without significant effort.
02
The design includes three water tanks for effective rainwater, greywater, and blackwater management.
03
Expandable terraces provide outdoor living space without increasing the home’s footprint.
04
Solar panels on the roof ensure complete energy self-sufficiency for the occupants.
05
Two lateral sections can extend to create multifunctional living and working areas.

FlexHome is an innovative design focused on providing flexible living arrangements. It caters to young professional couples who need a home that adapts to their lifestyle. The project emphasizes mobility, allowing occupants to relocate easily while maintaining essential living functions. Its compact structure combines practicality with a modern aesthetic.

Design Concept and Flexibility

The design revolves around three distinct states, each fulfilling specific roles while allowing for spatial expansion. In State 1, the core comprises essential areas like the kitchen, toilet, and shower. These components are organized in a compact layout that makes the home user-friendly and easy to attach to a vehicle. This feature highlights the key intention of mobility.



As the design unfolds into State 2, two lateral sections extend from the central core. This accordion-like feature allows for increased living space. One side can serve as a bedroom, while the other adapts as a multifunctional living or working area. Such arrangement prioritizes usability, particularly during adverse weather when comfort is vital.



State 3 introduces outdoor terraces that expand the livable space further. These outdoor areas facilitate a connection to nature, providing opportunities for relaxation and social activities. The ability to step outside and engage with the environment is a thoughtful addition, enhancing daily life.



FlexHome’s approach to materiality supports off-the-grid living. Solar panels installed on the roof provide energy independence. Three water tanks facilitate efficient management of rainwater, greywater, and blackwater. A battery system at the base ensures power availability, reinforcing the home’s capacity for self-sufficiency.



FlexHome presents a clear vision for modern living, focusing on flexibility and sustainability. Its efficient design addresses contemporary urban challenges. The sliding elements of the home create varied spaces, enriching the overall experience of living. This thoughtful approach balances practicality with a connection to the surrounding environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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