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3d-Printed Layers Enhanced by Vertical Gardens in Urban Residential Design

3d-Printed Layers Enhanced by Vertical Gardens in Urban Residential Design
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Utilizing 3D-printed layers and incorporating vertical gardens, the design merges sustainability with adaptability to create a flexible urban residence that responds to the changing needs of its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printing technology for structural layers to enhance design flexibility.
02
Features vertical gardens integrated into the building facade for improved air quality.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Adapts modular living spaces that can be reconfigured based on occupant needs.

## Analytical Report on the Architectural Design Project "House of Layerings"

### Project Overview
"House of Layerings" is located in the urban context of the United Arab Emirates, where it engages with the unique climate, social dynamics, and architectural heritage of the region. The project aims to redefine contemporary residential living through the integration of spatial layering, advanced construction techniques such as 3D printing, and sustainable design practices. This approach prioritizes flexibility, environmental interaction, and aesthetic innovation, allowing the structure to adapt to the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Blocks
The design organizes the residence into three distinct functional blocks: Living Block, Service Block, and Social Block, interconnected by transitional spaces that enhance both functionality and flow.

- **Living Block:** Serving as the core of the home, this area includes common spaces, courtyards, and various living environments that encourage interactions and a sense of community among family members.
- **Service Block:** Housing essential operational areas such as kitchens and storage, this section is strategically positioned to enhance accessibility and efficiency in day-to-day activities.
- **Social Block:** This portion of the design facilitates larger gatherings and is intentionally integrated with outdoor spaces, promoting an inviting atmosphere that supports communal living.

### Adaptive Materiality and Environmental Integration
The material selection in "House of Layerings" reflects a commitment to modern aesthetics along with sustainable design. Key features include:

- **3D Printed Structural Layers:** These provide a strong and adaptable framework for the building.
- **Semi-Temporary Finishing Layers:** Designed for easy adjustments, these allow residents to modify interior spaces based on changing needs.
- **Movable Partitions:** These elements enable flexible spatial configurations, adapting to various usages over time.
- **Landscaping Elements:** The integration of earth layers and living walls enhances biodiversity and contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem.

### User Experience and Community Engagement
The design prioritizes an immersive living experience, with a focus on sensory engagement. Natural light and airflow are maximized through open spaces, complemented by air wells and vertical gardens that enliven the interior environment.

- **Circulation Spaces:** Features such as spiral staircases and viewpoints within courtyards promote movement and strengthen connections between the different functional layers, fostering a communal atmosphere.
- **Rooftop Garden:** Serving both as a green space and a home-farming area, the roof terrace reinforces the project's focus on self-sufficiency and promotes outdoor interactions among residents.

The overall design exemplifies a thoughtful approach to contemporary housing, balancing flexibility, sustainability, and community interaction within an urban setting.

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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

`
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
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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