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Vertical Garden Microhome Designed with Perforated Metal and Lightweight Sustainability
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With a focus on perforated metal facades and integrated vertical gardens, this autonomous microhome offers sustainable living solutions for urban environments through its modular design and energy-efficient systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated metal panels for enhanced ventilation and light control.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to improve air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features a modular design for easy relocation and reconfiguration.
04
Employs a lightweight prefabrication method for efficient assembly.
05
Integrates renewable energy systems for self-sufficient living.

## Project Overview

The autonomous microhome project aims to develop sustainable living solutions that are adaptable to various urban settings, particularly in coastal and metropolitan areas. By integrating with existing infrastructures, the design seeks to optimize underutilized spaces, offering viable housing options in locations where land is scarce.

### Spatial Efficiency and Adaptability

The microhome emphasizes a vertical spatial organization that maximizes usable area while maintaining comfort. The interior layout features centrally located living areas that merge kitchen and social spaces, designed for functionality. A notable feature includes vertical gardens, which not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to improved air quality and foster a connection with nature. The design enables easy adaptation to diverse urban contexts, allowing the microhome to fit seamlessly into different environments, whether they are rooftops or bridge spaces.

### Material and Energy Strategy

Construction incorporates a range of materials that balance durability and aesthetic value. Kingspan panels serve as facade elements, providing insulation, while metal roofs offer structural integrity. Innovative perforated metal panels facilitate ventilation and light penetration while ensuring occupant privacy. The extensive use of glass enhances natural lighting and outward visibility. Renewable energy strategies are integral; solar panels generate power, and rainwater collection systems supply domestic water needs, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, advanced waste management systems minimize environmental impact while supporting ecological practices, further aligning with sustainable development goals.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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