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Wood Fiber Insulation and OSB Structure in a Compact Living Space

Authors:
Vid Šobat, Barbara Srček, Dino Špadina
Wood Fiber Insulation and OSB Structure in a Compact Living Space
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Constructed with OSB and wood fiber insulation, this compact living space offers a multifunctional environment that seamlessly adapts to the diverse needs of its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular design for easy reconfiguration.
02
Features eight distinct modes of use tailored for various activities.
03
Incorporates a retractable staircase to optimize vertical space.
04
Utilizes renewable energy sources, including solar panels and a wind turbine.
05
Includes sliding glass doors for enhanced natural light and outdoor integration.

The design focused on tiny house living presents a practical solution for maximizing utility in limited space. It accommodates two residents, offering a flexible environment that caters to various lifestyle needs. The overall concept revolves around adaptability, allowing the space to serve multiple functions while maintaining a cohesive flow.

Design Concept

The approach is based on a "Grid off-grid" strategy, enabling the living area to adjust according to the users' requirements. This design allows different activities to take place simultaneously, effectively addressing the challenges common in tiny house living. The layout is carefully arranged to support overlapping functions, making it suitable for both personal and shared experiences.

Modes of Use

Eight distinct modes of use exemplify the layout's ability to adapt. Each configuration meets specific needs, whether it’s for sleeping, working, socializing, or exercising. Movable furniture boxes allow for easy rearrangement, presenting occupants with the option to customize the space according to their daily activities. This versatility is illustrated through modes like Night/Sleep Mode, Team Work Mode, and Party Mode, encouraging a smooth transition between tasks while ensuring comfort.

Materiality and Sustainability

A selection of materials reinforces the design's structural and aesthetic qualities. Key components include wood board, OSB (Oriented Strand Board), and a timber frame, which together create a solid framework. Wood fiber wool provides insulation, while a polyurethane liquid membrane ensures the space is waterproof. The inclusion of sliding glass doors with oak frames enhances natural lighting and merges indoor and outdoor environments.

Renewable energy plays a significant role in this design, with six 100W solar panels and a 1000W wind turbine for self-sufficient power generation. The introduction of a retractable staircase optimizes vertical space, crucial for the compact living style.

The modular design also encompasses movable boxes that serve essential furniture needs, like desks and chairs, allowing for varied activities. This high level of adaptability addresses the complexities of city living, where efficient use of space is essential. The project explores how architecture can respond to modern living demands while providing a comfortable and functional home.

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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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