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Sustainable Microhome Utilizing Local Larch Wood and Integrated Rainwater Systems

Sustainable Microhome Utilizing Local Larch Wood and Integrated Rainwater Systems
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Crafted from local larch wood and designed with integrated rainwater harvesting, the microhome embodies a sustainable approach to modern living while seamlessly connecting its occupants to the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced larch wood, prioritizing regional material use.
02
Incorporates a greywater recycling system to enhance water efficiency.
03
Features a modular workspace that adapts to the occupants' daily routines.
04
Designed with full-height glazing to maximize natural light and scenic views.
05
Integrates passive solar heating through strategic site orientation and shading.

**Project Overview**

Located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland, the Equilibrium Home is a microhome designed with the principles of balance and harmony in mind, reflecting the Yin and Yang philosophy. The structure aligns with its natural surroundings and focuses on the lived experiences of its inhabitants, aiming to facilitate a lifestyle that harmonizes rest and productivity. This report outlines the fundamental concepts, spatial organization, material choices, and design outcomes integral to the project.

**Spatial Organization and Functional Layout**

The Equilibrium Home’s design is purposefully structured to support a daily rhythm of work, rest, and leisure. The arrangement of both private and communal areas encourages smooth transitions between active and tranquil spaces. Specific zones are tailored to yin qualities—providing calm environments for relaxation—as well as yang attributes—designed for productivity. This duality informs the overall spatial strategy, ensuring each area serves its intended function effectively while promoting a cohesive living experience.

**Material Choices**

A selection of local and sustainable materials reinforces the home’s connection to the surrounding landscape. Larch wood serves as the main cladding and interior finish, lending warmth and cultural resonance. Concrete is utilized for durability in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, while full-height glazing allows ample natural light, enhancing the interior ambiance. Local plaster and sheep wool insulation underscore the commitment to sustainable practices, contributing to thermal efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The home's focus on solar orientation reduces energy consumption and integrates eco-friendly systems, including a rainwater harvesting setup and greywater recycling, promoting self-sufficiency. The modular design offers flexible configurations to meet occupants' diverse needs, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural environment.

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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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