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Canopy Structure Enhances Community Space with Local Stone and Sustainable Wood

Canopy Structure Enhances Community Space with Local Stone and Sustainable Wood
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A canopy structure made from sustainable wood forms a unique shading feature over a central swimming pool, while local stone integrates the facility into its historic context, creating a vibrant communal space in the heart of Fez.
5 key facts about this project
01
A canopy structure mimicking natural forms provides shaded areas for users while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
02
Local stone is utilized for walls, fostering a strong connection with the historic context of Fez.
03
The design incorporates passive cooling techniques to improve comfort in the region's climate.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the architecture, promoting sustainability.
05
An organic layout encourages community interaction with open, inviting spaces around the central pool.

### Project Overview
Located at the entrance of the Medina of Fez, Morocco, the development aims to revitalize a vacant lot into a multifunctional swimming pool and public space. The intent is to create a communal area that integrates swimming facilities, public zones, and residential units while respecting the architectural heritage of the region.

### Architectural Layout
The design features an organic configuration characterized by irregularly shaped blocks, reflecting the principles of traditional Moroccan architecture and promoting harmony with the surrounding environment. A central swimming pool serves as the focal point of the space, accompanied by leisure and relaxation areas that foster community engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The construction employs a thoughtful selection of materials: local stone provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth and a natural aesthetic. Extensive use of glass enhances daylighting and promotes connectivity with the outdoor environment. The canopy design resembles trees, enhancing shade and ventilation, and incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, aligning with sustainable design practices. Furthermore, brise-soleils offer sun protection, contributing to user comfort and minimizing energy consumption.

### Community and Cultural Context
Promoting social interaction, the layout encourages engagement among community members and visitors, with transparent facades and open areas that embody the inclusiveness prevalent in Moroccan culture. Positioned strategically within the Medina, the project functions as a gateway that honors local traditions while facilitating a dialogue between historical and contemporary design elements. The careful integration of the structure into its urban fabric enhances visibility and draws interest from both residents and tourists, enriching the overall urban tapestry of Fez.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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