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Biodegradable Composite Forms Embrace Natural Light Within Organic Living Spaces

Biodegradable Composite Forms Embrace Natural Light Within Organic Living Spaces
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Characterized by its use of biodegradable composite materials and fluid spatial configurations, the design effectively captures natural light to create a harmonious residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes biodegradable composite materials for sustainability Features a unique bent A-frame design enhancing spatial dynamics Incorporates thermal mass principles for energy efficiency Integrates a central courtyard for improved natural ventilation Employs textured surfaces that mimic local geological formations.

# Analytical Report: "The Home of Shadows"

## Overview
"The Home of Shadows" is situated in an arid landscape characterized by its unique topography and climate, allowing for a purposeful exploration of natural light as a primary illumination source within interior spaces. The design leverages the site's environmental conditions to create a microclimate supportive of habitation, orienting the architectural elements to optimize solar gain while minimizing heat loss. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainability and the harmonious interaction between occupants and their surroundings.

## Spatial Strategy
A fundamental aspect of the design is the innovative manipulation of light, deeply integrated into the spatial layout. The arrangement of internal areas follows an organic, non-linear configuration that encourages exploration and immersive interactions with daylight from various angles. Key spaces, such as the bedroom, office, living room, dining room, and central courtyard, are purposefully shaped to enhance their functionality while responding to specific light requirements. Each area features varying heights and openings to accommodate its intended use, fostering a dynamic atmosphere that can adapt to the behavior and needs of its occupants.

## Materiality and Construction Technique
The project employs a modern construction technique utilizing 3D printing, which enables the creation of a textured exterior reflecting the surrounding landscape's natural formations. The materials selected—including biodegradable composites, clay, glass, natural stone, and wood—support environmental sustainability while enhancing aesthetic and functional qualities. Biodegradable composites are utilized to minimize ecological impact, while clay provides thermal mass and ties the structure to local resources. The inclusion of glass facilitates natural light penetration, promoting transparency and connectivity with the exterior environment.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

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The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Design slow sauna in Iceland

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Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
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Design a concrete pavilion

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Design a rain room for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 14 January 2026
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Design a story of your country

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Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

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Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
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for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Home of 
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Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 14 January 2026
The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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