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Anthracite-Clad Modular Homes with Asymmetrical Roofs for Flexible Living

Author:
Michaela Maresch
Anthracite-Clad Modular Homes with Asymmetrical Roofs for Flexible Living
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Covered in anthracite shingles, the asymmetrical gabled modules offer flexible living solutions that adapt to varied family needs while seamlessly integrating with both urban and rural environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular sizes range from 3.6m x 3.6m to 3.6m x 7m for customizable layouts.
02
Asymmetrical gabled roofs enhance both aesthetics and usable space.
03
Terraces extend living areas outdoors, promoting interaction with nature.
04
Anthracite shingles provide a distinctive texture reminiscent of a dragon's skin.
05
Features a water cycle system integrating underwater turbines and UV-water recycling.

The design centers on modular homes that can adapt to the changing needs of their residents. These homes can be placed in various environments, be it natural settings like forests or lakesides, or urban areas. The overall aim is to provide flexible living spaces that prioritize comfort and sustainability. By allowing for personal customization, the design caters to families at different stages, offering solutions that grow alongside their changing lifestyles.

Modular Puzzles

Modular Puzzles focuses on flexibility in size and layout. The modules vary from 3.6m x 3.6m to 3.6m x 7m, allowing residents to shape their living spaces according to their needs. This design encourages owners to add or remove sections, making it practical for families whose requirements may change over time. The emphasis on customization helps create a unique living environment that reflects individual preferences while maintaining clarity in its architectural form.

Empiric Modules

Empiric Modules introduce a playful approach to geometry. This design creates warm and inviting living spaces even within smaller footprints. Features such as movable furniture allow for adaptability, giving residents the freedom to rearrange their environments. The result is an open layout that fosters connections among family members, making each unit feel like a true home.

Dragon Modules

Dragon Modules span approximately 80m² and include two modules along with terraces. The asymmetrical gabled roof design maximizes usable space while providing an interesting visual element. The facade is finished with anthracite shingles, lending a textured appearance akin to a dragon's skin. The terraces extend the living area outdoors, encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings and enjoy nature.

Water Cycle in Houses

The project incorporates innovative water management systems. Underwater flow turbines and wind turbines are designed to harness natural resources effectively. There are also systems for UV-water recycling and waste management, which highlight a commitment to ecological living. This focus on sustainability presents a thoughtful method of integrating modern convenience with environmental responsibility.

The overall design emphasizes both practicality and connection to the environment, creating homes that are designed not only for today but also for the future.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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