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Sustainable Micro-Living Units Enhanced by Quadcore Panels and Integrated Community Spaces

Sustainable Micro-Living Units Enhanced by Quadcore Panels and Integrated Community Spaces
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Employing Quadcore panels for superior insulation and integrating a community-oriented ground floor, these micro-living units redefine urban housing solutions in the heart of Berlin.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in Berlin, the project repurposes urban parking spaces into functional micro-living units.
02
The design incorporates Quadcore panels for enhanced energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Modular construction allows for vertical stacking, optimizing limited urban footprint.
04
Ground floor space is dedicated to community use, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Innovative rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems contribute to sustainability.

### Project Overview

Located in Berlin, the project addresses the housing shortage intensified by ineffective urban parking. With over 1.2 million registered vehicles and a demand for approximately 750,000 apartments, the initiative proposes micro-living solutions that incorporate communal spaces, commercial functions, and greenery within the urban fabric. The design focuses on repurposing excess parking areas into livable units, fostering a shift in urban planning that prioritizes residential needs over vehicular space.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The architectural design features a modular structure with a distinctive façade that engages the streetscape while accommodating vertical expansion for additional living units. The ground floor is designed as a flexible community space, intended to function as a café or bar, thereby promoting social interactions and increasing pedestrian activity in the area. The thoughtfully arranged micro-units, each approximately 25 m², include designated areas for sleeping, living, and workspace, effectively responding to the modern demand for multifunctional living environments.

### Sustainable Material Selection and Practices

A commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of construction materials and systems. The exterior is composed of Kingspan Quadcore panels to enhance insulation and energy efficiency. Anodized aluminum sunshades and triple-glazed windows further contribute to the building's thermal performance. Additionally, the design incorporates a composting toilet system and rainwater harvesting technologies, reinforcing an ecological approach. Photovoltaic panels on the rooftop generate renewable energy, while greywater recycling systems support efficient water use, collectively advancing the project's sustainability objectives.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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