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Timber Frame Micro Homes for Flexible Urban Living

Author:
Jana Krüger
Timber Frame Micro Homes for Flexible Urban Living
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Crafted from a timber frame, the MicroHome offers flexible living solutions in urban environments, transforming underutilized spaces into personalized, compact residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The timber frame structure allows for quick assembly and relocation.
02
Each unit is designed to function as an independent, off-grid living space.
03
Interim housing transforms vacant urban lots into usable residences.
04
The modular design encourages personalization and adaptability for occupants.
05
Integration with existing urban infrastructure promotes community connection.

The MicroHome project addresses the complexities of urbanization by offering adaptable, modular living spaces designed for underused city areas. This housing solution focuses on creating practical options for interim residency within urban settings. By emphasizing flexibility and efficiency, the MicroHome redefines modern urban living, where space and community matter.

Modularity

The design consists of four distinct units, each serving specific residential functions such as sleeping, dining, and working. This modularity allows residents to personalize their living areas according to their needs, enabling a smooth transition between different daily activities. These units promote interaction among residents while also providing the necessary privacy each individual wants.

Materiality

Constructed using a timber frame, the MicroHome enables quick assembly and disassembly. This choice of material supports the project’s overall flexibility and reflects a commitment to sustainable practices. The lightweight structure minimizes environmental impact and circumvents the limitations usually associated with more permanent housing options.

Urban Integration

The MicroHome effectively engages with existing urban infrastructure, connecting with the surrounding environment to promote both density and proximity. This integration is essential for fostering community within urban contexts, creating a collection of interconnected units that contribute to a cohesive living space. Each unit functions as a unique home while participating in a larger conversation about urban adaptability.

Functional Quality

The design prioritizes quality living in a compact form. Each space is created to ensure usability without sacrificing individuality. Features such as multi-functional furniture and adjustable layouts enhance the experience of limited square footage. This aspect demonstrates that thoughtful design can provide comfort and practicality, even when space is at a premium.

A notable aspect of the MicroHome is its ability to challenge traditional notions of urban living through easily adaptable architecture. It provides residents with customizable yet practical housing options that highlight both creativity and smart design.

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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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