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Solar-Powered Micro Home with Zero-Mass Water Panels

Author:
Willem Van Der Westhuizen
Solar-Powered Micro Home with Zero-Mass Water Panels
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Equipped with solar body panels and zero-mass water technology, the Micro Rover provides a compact and sustainable solution for mobile living in remote environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with variable suspension systems for terrain adaptability.
02
Integrates zero-mass water panels for sustainable water sourcing.
03
Features a lightweight chassis to enhance mobility and efficiency.
04
Offers a rotating multi-purpose couch to maximize interior versatility.
05
Incorporates advanced gyro stabilization for enhanced user safety.

The Micro Rover offers a new perspective on mobile living, designed for those who want comfort and practicality while exploring remote areas. It combines a sturdy structure with eco-friendly solutions, making it suitable for navigating difficult landscapes. The focus is on professionals, like photographers and architects, who need reliable shelter in challenging environments without giving up modern conveniences.

Structural Design
At the core of the Micro Rover is a heavy-duty box chassis that supports a living cabin. This cabin measures three meters wide and six meters long, creating a comfortable yet compact space. The chassis features solar body paneling and zero-mass water panels on the roof, allowing the vehicle to generate energy and convert air into drinkable water.

Interior Layout
Inside the Micro Rover, the design emphasizes versatility. Notable features include a work station, a rotating multi-purpose couch, and a retractable dining table. These elements can be repurposed depending on the situation, maximizing usability. Storage is cleverly integrated throughout the cabin, maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment.

Mobility and Stability
The roving unit incorporates advanced variable suspension systems that automatically adapt to different terrains. This technology enhances stability and comfort as users traverse unpredictable landscapes. A gyro stabilization feature ensures that the cabin remains level, providing a safe and pleasant experience even on uneven ground.

Sustainability Features
The Micro Rover runs on an electric engine, ensuring emissions-free movement that aligns with modern environmental standards. Additionally, a water filtration system allows for the recycling of grey water into purified drinking water, illustrating the commitment to efficient resource management within this mobile setting.

Amidst the innovation, the Micro Rover stands out for its adaptability and the careful consideration of user needs, making it a noteworthy option for sustainable and practical living on the go.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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