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Vertical Gardens and Bioclimatic Efficiency in Mobile Solar Homes

Authors:
Ionela-diana Ilie, Eliza-iris Voiculescu, Flaviana-mihaela Iuga
Vertical Gardens and Bioclimatic Efficiency in Mobile Solar Homes
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Equipped with vertical gardens and a bioclimatic blade system, this mobile solar home emphasizes sustainability and community connectivity while providing adaptable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with vertical gardens that promote urban sustainability.
02
Incorporates a bioclimatic blade system for adaptive climate control.
03
Designed for both land and water travel, enhancing mobility.
04
Features solar energy solutions for complete energy independence.
05
Emphasizes communal living through a central gathering space.

Nomad Vatra brings together the trends of mobility and communal living. Set in a context that encourages exploration, the design enables occupants to travel freely while enjoying the comfort of a home. Central to this concept is the idea of “VATRA,” a Romanian word meaning “the hearth.” This term reflects the traditional importance of gathering spaces within a home, highlighted throughout the design.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The residence relies solely on solar energy, which aligns with current efforts to embrace renewable sources. Attention to energy efficiency is evident in its design. Thermal mass elements absorb excess heat during warm days and release it at night, which helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This strategy allows for a natural balance without excessive energy consumption.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AND FUNCTIONALITY

A longitudinal layout defines the structure, with a large central area that serves as the hub for activities. Surrounding this open space are multifunctional living zones, designed for flexibility. This arrangement facilitates easy movement between areas and encourages interactions among residents. The design resonates with traditional Romanian architecture, where community and family connections are valued.

INNOVATIVE GARDENING SYSTEMS

The design includes modern aeroponic systems for growing plants vertically. This method allows plants to thrive in a space-efficient manner, with roots suspended in air and supported by nutrient mist. Such systems reduce land requirements and promote sustainable living practices. They create an opportunity for residents to engage actively with their environment while consuming less space.

In blending traditional values with modern living needs, Nomad Vatra highlights how architecture can respond to contemporary lifestyles. A notable detail is the bioclimatic blade system, which adjusts to different weather conditions. This feature not only enhances comfort but also adds a dynamic quality to the building's exterior.

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The Next House: USA
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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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