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Sustainable Microhome Using Kingspan Panels and Photovoltaics for Emergency Housing

Sustainable Microhome Using Kingspan Panels and Photovoltaics for Emergency Housing
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Constructed with Kingspan QuadCore panels and integrated photovoltaic systems, this microhome offers a swift, adaptable solution for emergency housing while ensuring energy efficiency and effective insulation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to accommodate 12 individuals, the microhome offers versatile living arrangements within a compact design.
02
Integrated photovoltaic panels ensure self-sufficiency in energy, enhancing sustainability in emergency settings.
03
Utilizes Kingspan QuadCore panels that provide high insulation while minimizing overall weight.
04
The modular layout promotes communal interaction while maintaining private spaces for residents.
05
Rapid assembly and disassembly allow for quick deployment in response to humanitarian needs.

**Overview**
The Twin Horizon Retreat is an innovative microhome designed to meet urgent humanitarian needs arising in crisis situations, including armed conflicts and natural disasters. This project focuses on delivering comfort and functionality to displaced individuals through adaptable and sustainable architectural solutions. The twin modular units provide a livable space for up to 12 occupants, offering essential amenities to support the basic needs of those in emergency scenarios.

**Spatial Configuration**
The retreat comprises two strategically arranged modules: Module A functions as sleeping and resting quarters, while Module B enhances the living experience with communal areas that include a kitchen, dining space, and bathroom facilities. This thoughtful spatial organization supports communal interaction while ensuring private settings are available for individual users. Flexible furniture solutions, such as fold-down tables and beds, allow for easy reconfiguration according to user needs and group sizes.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
A selection of durable materials is employed within the design to enhance functionality and environmental efficiency. Photovoltaic panels provide renewable energy, while Kingspan QuadCore® wall panels offer excellent insulation without adding significant weight. The structural integrity is supported by steel trusses and a combination of wooden beams, with a metal roof designed for effective rainwater collection. Additionally, the microhome’s components can be easily disassembled and reused, aligning with circular economy principles. The use of organic curtains and recyclable textiles also underscores a commitment to ecological integrity. This cohesive approach not only minimizes the carbon footprint but also contributes to more sustainable emergency architecture.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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