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Bridging Heritage and Modernity with Local Brick and Expansive Glass Facades in Community-Focused Museum

Bridging Heritage and Modernity with Local Brick and Expansive Glass Facades in Community-Focused Museum
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Utilizing locally sourced brick and expansive glass to create a transparent connection with its surroundings, the museum fosters community engagement while preserving and showcasing historical narratives.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced brick to create a façade that connects with the regional architectural heritage.
02
Incorporates large glass sections to enhance transparency and invite public interaction.
03
Features adaptable exhibition spaces for diverse display requirements and community events.
04
Designed with sustainable practices, including natural light optimization and energy efficiency.
05
Emphasizes community engagement through dedicated areas for workshops and social gatherings.

### Overview
The Valens Historical Museum is situated within a region characterized by rich cultural heritage and contemporary urban activity. The design intent is to create an engaging space where historical narratives are not merely displayed but experienced, fostering public interaction and cultural reflection. The integration of local architectural language with modern design methodologies results in a structure that serves both educational and social functions within the community.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The site planning of the museum is meticulously executed, considering the relationship between the building and its urban context. Indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to facilitate fluid movement and interaction, with strategic positioning aimed at enhancing accessibility and encouraging public foot traffic. The spatial organization emphasizes a logical flow, guiding visitors through designated areas for exhibitions, educational programs, and amenities, thereby ensuring a meaningful engagement with the exhibits.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The materiality of the museum is integral to its design, utilizing a combination of local and contemporary materials to establish both aesthetic and functional qualities. Brick is prominently featured, connecting the museum to regional architectural traditions, while large glass sections enhance transparency and natural light. Metal elements, primarily aluminum, are incorporated for structural integrity and modern detailing, and concrete serves as a stable foundation with a minimalist visual approach. Sustainable practices are embedded in the design, with careful consideration given to natural light usage and energy-efficient technologies, reinforcing the museum's commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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

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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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