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Vegetation-Clad Modular Units Featuring Energy-Efficient Wall Panels for Versatile Living Solutions

Vegetation-Clad Modular Units Featuring Energy-Efficient Wall Panels for Versatile Living Solutions
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Vegetation-clad modular units constructed with energy-efficient wall panels provide adaptable living solutions that merge eco-friendly design with functional versatility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for easy reconfiguration to serve various living scenarios.
02
Incorporation of vegetation panels to enhance air quality and biodiversity.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
04
Energy-efficient wall panels contribute to reduced environmental impact.
05
Bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.

### Project Overview

The UP LIFT Home and Shelter project is situated within a contemporary context that emphasizes modular living and environmental sustainability. It aims to address diverse housing needs by providing adaptable living solutions suitable for various situations, including emergency shelter, temporary housing, and permanent residences. The design prioritizes user-centric principles that facilitate both individual and communal living dynamics.

### Modularity and Spatial Efficiency

At the core of the design is a modular framework, enabling each unit to function as an interchangeable component. This approach allows for flexibility in arrangement and use, catering to the specific needs of inhabitants. The spatial strategy redefines traditional room layouts into multifunctional areas that promote efficiency and adaptability. Features such as foldable furniture are integrated to enhance usability, while dedicated modules for kitchens and bathrooms provide essential amenities without compromising space.

### Material Innovation and Sustainability

The project employs a carefully selected palette of materials that focus on sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Kingspan QuadCore AWP LEE wall panels are utilized for their energy efficiency and durability, while plywood finishing adds warmth to interior spaces. Aluminum profiles contribute to structural integrity, optimizing weight without sacrificing strength. Additionally, sustainable vegetation panels are incorporated to enhance biodiversity, support air quality improvement, and provide insulation. The design allows for the integration of renewable technologies, such as solar panels, to further reduce the ecological footprint and maximize natural light and ventilation.

### Constructive Framework

The building employs a metal frame structure complemented by modular panels, facilitating rapid assembly and future adaptability. This constructive system supports a plug-and-play methodology for additional units, ensuring ease of expansion while maintaining structural stability and functionality. The emphasis on communal spaces within the design fosters opportunities for resident interaction, while private areas remain accessible for those seeking solitude. The thoughtful integration of these elements promotes a balanced coexistence of personal comfort and community engagement.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
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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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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