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Black Steel Cladding with Notched Beams for Flexible Community Living

Author:
Craig More
Black Steel Cladding with Notched Beams for Flexible Community Living
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Black steel cladding and notched beams define a flexible community space that balances individual artist studios with communal gathering areas, all while prioritizing views of the adjacent lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black steel cladding provides durability and low maintenance.
02
Notched beams reflect traditional construction techniques.
03
SIPs contribute to high energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
04
Central shared gallery fosters community interaction.
05
Wind turbine and reed bed enhance sustainability efforts.

Rupjmaize House is a residential design that connects closely with its natural surroundings. Located by a lake, the building emphasizes the views of water and sunsets. The design concept focuses on flexibility, enabling different spaces to serve various functions, including individual studios for artists and communal areas for gathering. The layout encourages social interaction among the residents while providing private spaces for reflection.

Materials and Construction

The building uses materials that support both durability and aesthetic quality. Black steel sheet cladding makes up the exterior, providing a tough and low-maintenance surface that fits with the tradition of metal sheet roofing. Inside, the roof is composed of Structural Insulated Panels. These panels offer excellent insulation, helping to keep the interior comfortable throughout the seasons.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces promotes ease of movement and connection. A central shared gallery links the artist studios and living areas, facilitating community engagement. This setup allows residents to enjoy both shared experiences and personal time. Large triple-glazed windows are featured throughout the design. These windows allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Sustainability Features

Rupjmaize House incorporates several sustainable features that reflect a commitment to the environment. A wind turbine is installed to harness renewable energy. Additionally, a septic tank system combined with a filtration reed bed manages wastewater effectively. Together, these systems highlight the building's focus on ecological responsibility and innovative design.

The design emphasizes a connection to the outdoor landscape. Views of the lake are prioritized, welcoming natural light into the living spaces through strategically positioned rooflights, creating a harmonious relationship between the interiors and the environment outside.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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