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Train Roof Home with Rainwater Recovery and Flexible Spaces

Author:
Pierre Roustant
Train Roof Home with Rainwater Recovery and Flexible Spaces
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Utilizing a former train roof and incorporating a rainwater recovery system, this compact dwelling prioritizes sustainability and flexibility while serving as a comfortable home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a former train roof as a central structural element.
02
Incorporates a rainwater recovery system for efficient water management.
03
Features retractable furniture for maximizing usable space.
04
Equipped with a dehumidifier that converts humidity into water.
05
Built on a mobile trailer to allow for adaptability and relocation.

The Tiny Home offers an innovative solution for compact living while highlighting the importance of sustainability and flexibility. Positioned as a versatile dwelling, it caters to individuals seeking a comfortable yet eco-conscious lifestyle. The design effectively blends modern living with practicality, creating a unique space that adapts to the needs of its occupants.

Spatial Organization

This home maximizes utility and comfort through an adaptive layout. The main area supports multiple functions, allowing the space to transform based on daily activities. Retractable and reversible furniture plays a key role in achieving this versatility. Large windows invite ample natural light into the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance and creating a strong connection with the surrounding environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the Tiny Home's design. The south-facing facade is lined with solar panels that generate electricity for daily use. Water management is carefully considered, with a rainwater-recovering roof, a shower loop, and a dehumidifier that converts humidity into liquid water. These innovative systems contribute to the home’s self-sufficiency and align with contemporary environmental concerns.

Materiality

The construction features a former train roof, combined with a wooden structure, which reflects an approach to environmental responsibility. This design choice demonstrates how reclaimed materials can be effectively integrated into modern housing. The use of biosourced and reused materials throughout reinforces the commitment to reducing environmental impact while creating a functional and inviting living space.

The design skillfully incorporates varied ceiling and floor heights to create distinct living zones. This thoughtful planning enhances spatial experiences, ensuring each area serves a specific purpose while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home. The combination of adaptable spaces and resource-efficient technologies creates a harmonious living environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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