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Transformable Living Spaces Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Transformable Living Spaces Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles
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Retractable morphe walls and sustainable features crafted from cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles redefine compact living by creating an adaptable environment for urban dwellers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable morphe walls allow for flexible space configurations.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetics and fire resistance.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior volume and natural light.
05
Integrated greywater recycling systems support eco-friendly living.

## Overview
The Micro Home project is an architectural response to the increasing demand for compact and sustainable living solutions in diverse urban and rural contexts. It employs a prefabricated system designed to optimize space while addressing essential functional and environmental needs. This innovative approach highlights the potential of small living environments to adapt flexibly to occupants' lifestyles.

### Spatial Adaptability
Key to the design is the concept of "The Hidden Prefabricated Wall," which introduces elements such as retractable walls, referred to as "morphe walls." These walls allow for the reconfiguration of internal spaces, facilitating transitions from intimate settings to open-concept areas suitable for various activities, such as social gatherings or remote work. The efficient floor plan maximizes usability, featuring multifunctional areas that accommodate essential living functions without compromising on spatial comfort.

### Material and Energy Efficiency
The material selection for the Micro Home emphasizes durability, sustainability, and efficiency. Prefabricated wall panels, made from engineered wood or composite materials, contribute to quick assembly and flexibility. The home is equipped with solar panels and systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, promoting energy self-sufficiency and responsible water management. These sustainable features are complemented by the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies, enhancing indoor air quality while reducing dependence on mechanical systems. The exterior design combines clean lines and large windows, ensuring ample natural light while maintaining an aesthetically contemporary appearance.

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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

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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