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Translucent Etfe Shelters with Water Recycling for Refugee Communities

Authors:
Rasha Bowirrat, Hanan Tanasra
Translucent Etfe Shelters with Water Recycling for Refugee Communities
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Utilizing ETFE for temperature control and integrating a water recycling system, these modular micro-homes provide sustainable living solutions for refugee communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes inflatable ETFE cushions for energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a water recycling system for sustainable living.
03
Modular design allows for flexible arrangements and configurations.
04
Features lightweight polycarbonate floor panels for easy transport.
05
Designed to promote community interaction among residents.

Pack It Up is designed to meet the urgent needs of refugees by providing modular micro-homes. These homes respond to the difficult living conditions many displaced people face. With a focus on functionality and community, each unit can be easily set up, taken down, and moved, adapting to various circumstances as needed.

Modular Design

The concept focuses on modular design, allowing every micro-home to stand alone while still encouraging neighborly connections. This flexibility means homes can be arranged in multiple patterns to create a community feel while ensuring each unit maintains its own privacy. The layout includes essential living spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, work areas, and sleeping rooms that make the most of limited space.

Material Usage

Materials play a key role in the performance of these micro-homes. Using ETFE IR-Foil for inflatable cushions helps control temperature and block excessive sunlight. This creates a more comfortable environment for residents. Moreover, polycarbonate panels provide strength and reduce weight, making the homes easy to transport. Such choices reflect a balance between comfort and practicality.

Sustainability Features

Water management is integral to the design, with tanks for filtered and unfiltered water included in each unit. A recycling system, placed near the kitchen and bathroom, allows for efficient use of water resources. Filtered water can be used for irrigation and planting, which not only meets basic needs but encourages self-reliance. Rooftop solar panels contribute to energy needs, allowing the homes to operate without relying on conventional power sources.

Pack It Up aims to create living environments that not only provide shelter but also foster community connections. Each unit serves as a place for cultural exchange and social interaction, able to evolve with the needs of its residents. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to addressing the challenges faced by those in temporary housing.

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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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