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Sustainable Housing Crafted from Engineered Timber Panels with Integrated Solar Solutions

Sustainable Housing Crafted from Engineered Timber Panels with Integrated Solar Solutions
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Crafted from engineered timber panels and equipped with integrated solar solutions, the design transforms vacant office spaces into adaptable micro-living units that address urban housing demands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes engineered timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
03
Features a compact, flexible layout adaptable for diverse living needs.
04
Includes internal gardens for improved air quality and resident wellness.
05
Designed to repurpose vacant office spaces, revitalizing urban areas.

### Project Overview
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the PO_CO microhome initiative aims to address urban housing challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. By converting vacant office spaces into habitable units, the project responds to the increasing demand for affordable housing and the evolving hybrid working models that integrate residential and professional environments.

### Material and Structural Strategy
The architectural design prioritizes sustainability through the use of adaptive materials. Lightweight steel frames ensure structural integrity and enable prefabrication, while engineered timber panels provide aesthetic warmth and align with eco-friendly objectives. High-performance glazing enhances thermal efficiency and natural lighting, contributing to reduced energy consumption. Solar panels on the roof complement these efforts by harnessing renewable energy, underscoring the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

### Spatial and Functional Configuration
The PO_CO design incorporates a compact layout that emphasizes flexibility. Interchangeable living spaces accommodate both domestic and work-related activities, thus adapting to the diverse needs of users. A modular amenities pod houses essential services such as kitchens and bathrooms, preserving the uncluttered nature of the main living area. Dedicated entryways facilitate a smooth transition between personal and professional domains, crucial for maintaining work-life balance. Outdoor integration is fundamental, with balconies featuring greenery and internal gardens enhancing air quality and promoting well-being within an urban context.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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