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Vertical Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Nastarn Razavi
Vertical Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space
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Incorporating vertical timber and recycled wood, the structure utilizes a water recycling unit and passive solar shading to create a sustainable community coffee house that fosters ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainable design features a water recycling unit.
02
Incorporates passive solar shading through a vertical fin.
03
Utilizes recycled wood for all major structural elements.
04
Integrates hanging vegetation for improved air quality.
05
Transportable structure allows site flexibility.

The Big Tiny Coffee House offers a practical response to sustainable living, connecting with its natural environment. Set in an inviting location, the coffee house serves as a community space where people can gather and enjoy refreshments. The design draws on the four basic elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—each thoughtfully integrated into the structure to promote a sense of harmony.

Key Features
Several important features highlight the focus on sustainability. Hanging vegetation is included, enhancing the visual appeal while improving air quality and biodiversity. A small cabin element with solar panels is prominent, emphasizing a commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient design.

Water Conservation
A water recycling unit is an important part of the design, showcasing responsible water management practices. This feature reinforces the goal of reducing waste and encourages users to consider their water use. The careful design encourages a holistic approach to ecological living, making sustainability a practical aspect of daily life.

Architectural Elements
The vertical fin serves a key role by providing passive solar shading, helping to manage light and heat inside the building. Seasonal or year-round greenery is thoughtfully positioned to block summer sunlight, ensuring comfort throughout the year. These elements are designed not only for efficiency but also to create an inviting atmosphere that connects the building with its surroundings.

Material Choices
The design prominently features vertical timber panels and recycled wood. These materials support the structure while reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The natural textures and colors of the wood enhance the feelings of warmth and connection to nature, enriching the experience for visitors.


The elevations of the building highlight both public and private areas, promoting interaction among users while offering spaces for quiet moments. A notable detail is the transportable nature of the structure, allowing it to adapt to different locations easily. This flexibility enhances its usability and accommodates a variety of community needs.

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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
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