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Sustainable Living Through Recycled Wood and Community Gardens

Authors:
Hsuan Pi, Anbin Liu, Louise Villalta, Eric Chen
Sustainable Living Through Recycled Wood and Community Gardens
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Incorporating fog catchers and community gardens, this initiative utilizes recycled wood to create a compact, sustainable living environment that addresses the need for affordable housing in the Bay Area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates fog catchers to harvest moisture for irrigation.
02
Features community gardens to promote local food production.
03
Utilizes recycled wood for flooring and structural elements.
04
Includes multi-purpose rooms that adapt to various functions.
05
Located on Treasure Island, enhancing urban and ecological connectivity.

The tiny home community on Treasure Island is designed to meet the growing need for affordable housing in the Bay Area, located conveniently between San Francisco and Oakland. The project emphasizes efficient living spaces that encourage community engagement and sustainability. It combines essential residential areas within a compact layout, aiming to create a sense of belonging for its residents.

Functionality and Layout

The design incorporates a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and a multi-purpose room into efficient living spaces. This layout maximizes the available area while ensuring that each room serves a specific function. Storage options are cleverly placed along walls and under beds, allowing the space to be organized and accessible without feeling cramped. The multi-purpose room can transform easily from a dining area to a place for relaxation or work.

Sustainability and Community Gardens

At the heart of the design is a focus on sustainability, which is evident in the inclusion of community gardens and an aquaponics system. This system encourages local food production and helps create a sustainable ecosystem by using fish waste to fertilize crops. Community gardens not only provide food but also foster social interaction, allowing residents to share responsibilities and build connections with one another.

Material Choices and Construction Elements

The materials chosen for construction prioritize environmental sustainability. Recycled wood serves as the primary flooring material, reinforcing the commitment to reducing waste. Additionally, PVC and cloth will be used for garden walls and fog catchers. These fog catchers are designed to capture moisture from the environment, which will be used in a recycled water system for irrigation. This process further supports the project's goal of sustainability.

Technological Integration and Energy Efficiency

The project also includes sun and wind turbines to enhance self-sufficiency. These renewable energy sources contribute to the overall energy needs of the community. By integrating technology that focuses on energy efficiency, the community does more than just provide housing; it supports a lifestyle that respects the environment and promotes responsible usage of resources.

Each home in the community is designed to connect with its surroundings, allowing residents to interact with nature and contribute to sustainable practices. The design encourages a lifestyle that values sustainable living while providing practical housing solutions. This community is not only intended to address the housing crisis but also to foster a shared sense of responsibility among its residents.

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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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