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Vertical Farming and Cellulose Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space

Authors:
Muhammad Sahil Adnan, May-doan Bi, Marius Collin
Vertical Farming and Cellulose Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space
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Incorporating vertical farming and cellulose insulation, the design prioritizes sustainability and self-sufficiency within a compact living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a greenhouse that enables year-round food production.
02
Softwood cladding contributes to the home’s natural aesthetic and thermal performance.
03
Cellulose insulation enhances energy efficiency while promoting environmental sustainability.
04
Solar panels provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on external power sources.
05
The elevated dining area conceals mechanical systems, optimizing interior space utilization.

The Split House is a residential design that responds to the challenges brought by growing population density and climate change. It is situated in a setting that requires sustainable living solutions. The design consists of three main areas: a living space, a greenhouse, and a leisure space. This structure puts focus on adaptability and self-sufficiency, creating a home that connects with its environment and promotes efficient resource use.

Living Space

The living space includes essential functions such as a kitchen, bathroom, and a mezzanine bedroom. This arrangement maximizes the functionality of a smaller footprint while fostering interactions among occupants. The elevated dining area serves as a key focus, concealing mechanical systems to improve efficiency. A vaulted ceiling above the dining zone creates a cozy nook in the mezzanine, while the kitchen maintains visual links to the greenhouse and outdoor areas, enhancing the overall experience.

Greenhouse

The greenhouse acts as a central feature of the home, designed to accommodate both vertical and traditional farming. This space allows residents to grow their own food, connecting everyday life with food production. By relying less on outside sources, the greenhouse decreases living costs and the carbon footprint. Its presence ensures that verdant vegetation is integrated into daily routines, improving the overall environment and aesthetic of the home.

Leisure Space

The leisure space provides a retreat for residents, separated by glass walls that connect the interior to the natural surroundings. This design choice creates a calming atmosphere for personal reflection or social gatherings. Access to an outdoor deck enhances the flow between the inside and outside, merging the two spaces and enriching the experience of using the home. This area prioritizes comfort and maintains an openness that invites in natural light.

Materials

The materials used in the Split House reflect its commitment to sustainability. Solar panels are installed on the roof, producing renewable energy while reducing reliance on conventional power. The metal roof siding provides strength and contributes to a clean look. Cellulose insulation improves energy efficiency, and the timber roof structure showcases a focus on sustainable materials. Softwood cladding adds a natural touch to the exterior, while plywood finishes in the interior create a warm, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the design intent.

The Split House demonstrates practical design, blending functionality with ecological responsibility in a manner that embodies the principles of sustainable living. Its thoughtful details and organization invite a connection to both nature and community, offering a comfortable and resource-efficient lifestyle.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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