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Bio-Algae Facade and Glulam Structure Defining a Sustainable Retirement Community

Bio-Algae Facade and Glulam Structure Defining a Sustainable Retirement Community
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Incorporating a bio-algae facade alongside glulam structural elements, the design fosters sustainability while creating an engaging retirement community that emphasizes intergenerational connections and shared horticultural practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bio-algae facade for enhanced energy efficiency and environmental performance.
02
Incorporates glulam timber beams for structural strength while maintaining a warm aesthetic.
03
Features integrated hydroponic systems that enable local food production within the community.
04
Designed with interconnected courtyards to foster social interaction and connectivity among residents.
05
Emphasizes Maori cultural principles of Raranga, symbolizing weaving and interconnectedness within the community.

### Project Overview
Poutama Green Haven is a retirement sanctuary located adjacent to a horticulture university in Lincoln, New Zealand. The intent of this facility is to foster the integration of retirees into the community, enabling them to share their knowledge and life experiences with younger generations. Through its design, the project aims to cultivate an environment that promotes intergenerational learning and cultural exchange.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural configuration comprises two interconnected wings that provide independent living spaces alongside assisted and co-housing options. This layout encourages community interaction and supports a safe, communal environment. Interconnected courtyards facilitate movement throughout the building and enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors. Central open areas serve as focal points for social activities and mentorship programs, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion. Each residential unit is designed to face landscaped gardens, allowing for visibility toward shared outdoor spaces, which encourages engagement between residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials in Poutama Green Haven balances sustainability with aesthetic considerations. Key features include glulam timber beams that provide structural integrity while contributing to a warm interior ambiance. The building's facade incorporates a green algae bio-reactor system, enhancing environmental performance and supporting energy efficiency. Hydroponic systems integrated into the garden spaces promote local agriculture and provide fresh produce for residents. High-performance window glazing, including low-E coated glass, is utilized to improve thermal efficiency and maximize natural light, further supporting the project's sustainability goals.

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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.

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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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

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