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Timber Habitability Merged with Renewable Energy in a Hexagonal Mountain Retreat

Author:
Manolis Santorinaios
Timber Habitability Merged with Renewable Energy in a Hexagonal Mountain Retreat
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Utilizing treated wood and a hexagonal form, this mountain retreat incorporates renewable energy systems while providing a functional space for communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hexagonal footprint to maximize space and natural light.
02
Incorporates treated wood for structural integrity and environmental resistance.
03
Features a gravity-fed water system for efficient resource management.
04
Integrates renewable energy technologies with a small wind turbine.
05
Designed for modular expansion to adapt to changing community needs.

## Overview
Located in a mountainous landscape reminiscent of the Himalayan region, the Hexagon Project focuses on creating sustainable and adaptable architectural solutions that integrate with the natural environment. The design ethos is rooted in harmonizing human habitation with nature, drawing inspiration from the hexagonal geometry of snowflakes. This initiative seeks to create structures that minimize environmental impact while providing functional and aesthetically pleasing shelter.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout is centered on a hexagonal footprint, optimizing space utilization and promoting natural light. Each unit spans approximately 37 square meters, divided into two levels: the lower level accommodates social activities, such as cooking and gathering, while the upper level contains sleeping spaces featuring bunk beds. The design allows for modular growth by enabling multiple units to connect seamlessly, facilitating increased visitor capacity without compromising the integrity of the site.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience. The primary structural material is treated wood, selected for its renewable properties and thermal insulation capabilities, minimizing moisture retention. Copper roofing ensures durability and weather resistance, while mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency in cold climates. A reinforced concrete base provides stability on uneven terrain, accommodating harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the project incorporates water management systems that utilize melting snow, gravity-fed plumbing, and renewable energy sources, such as a small wind turbine for electrical needs.

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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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