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Translucent Roof Panels and Quadcore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space

Translucent Roof Panels and Quadcore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space
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Utilizing translucent roof panels and QuadCore insulation, the design achieves high energy efficiency in a compact structure tailored for minimalist living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent roof panels provide natural light while maintaining thermal performance.
02
QuadCore insulation enhances energy efficiency in a compact footprint.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer increased durability and fire resistance.
04
The bent A-frame design aids in effective water drainage and snow shedding.
05
Integrated rainwater collection system promotes sustainable living practices.

## Project Overview

The micro home design project focuses on addressing urban housing challenges in Portland, Oregon, by creating sustainable and adaptable living environments. The intent is to provide efficient housing solutions that respond to the growing demand for flexibility and affordability in urban living contexts, particularly during increasing housing crises.

### Spatial Strategy

The micro home features a compact footprint of 6.00 m by 3.50 m, employing an open-plan layout that optimizes functionality while effectively utilizing space. Key areas within the design include a sleeping area that merges the bed with a seating space, facilitating relaxation and multi-use activities; a compact bathroom that incorporates essential amenities; a workspace featuring a desk that capitalizes on natural light; and a kitchenette designed for efficiency, providing only necessary cooking facilities.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the home’s design, prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. Primary materials include wood for structural elements, contributing warmth and integrity; Day-Lite translucent roof panels, allowing ample natural light while ensuring thermal efficiency; QuadCore LEC insulated wall panels for enhanced energy performance; cork flooring, which offers an eco-friendly option that improves acoustics; integrated solar modules to support energy independence, and a slimline water tank designed to collect and store rainwater, reinforcing the project’s off-grid nature.

### Structural Design

The architecture of the micro home is defined by an A-frame structure, which not only lends a modern aesthetic but also conducts effective water drainage and snow shedding, key considerations for varying climates. An integrated gutter system directs rainwater into rainwater tanks, highlighting the emphasis on sustainability. The design also accommodates prefabrication, enabling efficient transport and expedited construction, which enhances its adaptability across different locations.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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