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Buoyant Residence Featuring Intricate Brickwork and Asymmetrical Roof Form Overlooking the Canal

Buoyant Residence Featuring Intricate Brickwork and Asymmetrical Roof Form Overlooking the Canal
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The unique floating structure, characterized by its intricate brick facade and asymmetrical roof that emulates canal waves, offers a sustainable living solution for a couple deeply connected to both navigation and gardening.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure designed to mitigate flood risks while enhancing waterfront accessibility.
02
Intricate brick patterns that filter natural light, mimicking the effects of water reflections.
03
Asymmetrical roof design inspired by the waveforms of the canal, enhancing solar control.
04
Adaptive interior layout allows for flexible reconfiguration to meet evolving residential needs.
05
Integrates ecological principles by promoting local aquatic ecosystems through its construction.

### Overview

Located on the Amsterdam Canal in the Netherlands, Yunseul serves as a floating residence designed for a couple—a navigator and a gardener. This architectural endeavor integrates the historic character of Amsterdam with contemporary living requirements, reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage. The design utilizes brick both as a primary material and as a thematic element, establishing a connection between the past and present while addressing the unique challenges of its aquatic site.

### Material and Structural Composition

The materiality of Yunseul plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and functional narratives. Brick is deployed extensively, resonating with Amsterdam's historical buildings and providing thermal mass and structural stability. Concrete is utilized for foundational and structural elements, ensuring durability to withstand the rigors of a floating residence. The incorporation of large glass windows enhances natural light penetration and views of the canal, promoting a strong relationship between interior and exterior environments. Wood features prominently in the interior design, fostering warmth and reflecting the gardener's connection to nature.

### Innovative Architectural Features

Yunseul's floating design is a defining aspect, offering a solution to flood risks while enhancing ecological engagement with the canal ecosystem. The façade showcases meticulously arranged brick patterns that filter light in a manner reminiscent of rippling water, aligning with the project's thematic underpinnings. An irregularly shaped roof mimics the waves of the canal, effectively providing shade while allowing light to penetrate interior spaces. The spatial organization reveals a well-considered arrangement, maximizing natural light and canal views, while preserving privacy through strategic window placement. Additionally, elements of adaptability within the living spaces enable reconfiguration in response to evolving resident needs, ensuring the project's longevity and relevance.

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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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