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Utilizing Steel Beams and Rainwater Harvesting for Modular Community Living

Authors:
Jake Young, Valerie Tan, Yirou Chong, Sky Ching
Utilizing Steel Beams and Rainwater Harvesting for Modular Community Living
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Constructed with steel beams and rainwater harvesting systems, this modular micro-housing community emphasizes sustainability while fostering social cohesion among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a connecting bridge, promoting communal interaction among residents.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated within the slanted roof design.
03
Utilizes steel beams for structural integrity, ensuring durability in diverse conditions.
04
Features modular units that can be reconfigured based on occupant needs.
05
Aluminum cladding enhances the building's energy efficiency and longevity.

### Overview

"Home Away From Home" is an architectural initiative aimed at addressing the urgent demand for affordable housing in economically and environmentally challenged regions. The project employs a micro-village concept that prioritizes modularity, sustainability, and community engagement, effectively meeting the varied needs of its residents while fostering social interactions among them.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout consists of a series of micro-houses, each purposefully designed to accommodate essential functions such as dining, workspaces, and private living areas. A notable feature is the "connecting bridge," which links individual units while promoting communal living. This bridge serves as a social space that encourages interactions among residents, helping to enhance the overall sense of community while maintaining personal privacy within the micro-houses.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project utilizes a selection of durable and aesthetically appealing materials. Steel beams provide structural support, while an aluminum-framed façade offers corrosion resistance and visual appeal. Interior features include hardwood flooring for added warmth and comfort, and glass windows that maximize natural light and ventilation. The slanted metal roof is designed for rainwater collection, supporting the project's sustainability goals. Additionally, solar panels enhance energy efficiency, contributing to the self-sufficiency of each unit. The overall design incorporates adequate drainage systems to preserve the ecological integrity of the micro-village, while external storage areas keep living spaces uncluttered.

The adaptive nature of each micro-house allows for modifications based on family size or individual needs, promoting flexibility that accommodates changing circumstances. This approach, combined with the deliberate integration of natural resources and community-focused design, positions the project as a forward-thinking model for future urban developments.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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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