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Timber Frame Microhome Featuring Solar Integration and Vibrant Interior Design

Timber Frame Microhome Featuring Solar Integration and Vibrant Interior Design
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Incorporating a timber frame structure with solar energy solutions and vibrant cabinetry, this microhome offers a flexible living space designed to efficiently meet diverse residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modular wall system for versatile spatial reconfiguration.
02
Utilizes Kingspan quadcore panels for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with vibrant interior cabinetry to foster an inviting atmosphere.

## Overview

The Proteus microhome is designed as an entry for the Kingspan Microhome Competition, focusing on addressing housing challenges in Nigeria and across Africa. With an emphasis on modularity and adaptability, this design approach seeks to tackle critical issues related to sustainability and economic resilience in various socio-economic contexts.

## Modularity and Spatial Organization

At the heart of the design lies a strategy for modularity that allows spaces to be configured for different purposes, such as work, leisure, and rest. Movable wall modules facilitate rapid transitions between configurations, accommodating the shifting needs of users throughout the day. The architectural layout prioritizes efficiency, placing the kitchen centrally to encourage social interaction while ensuring that each zone serves its intended function within an open, airy atmosphere.

## Material and Environmental Sustainability

The Proteus microhome incorporates an array of materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. A timber frame serves as the primary structural element, contributing thermal insulation and a warm visual quality. The roofing consists of Kingspan Quadcore KS1000 LEC panels, which provide energy efficiency and improve thermal performance. Solar panels with a 6 kW capacity harness renewable energy, while a rainwater harvesting system illustrates the commitment to sustainability.
Interior spaces feature bespoke cabinetry in vibrant hues, designed to promote a playful yet mature living 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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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