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Cedar Micro-Units with Community Hall and Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Cedar Micro-Units with Community Hall and Rainwater Harvesting Systems
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Crafted from sustainable cedar, the design integrates micro-units and a communal hall with rainwater harvesting systems to support a resilient living environment for the Kwantlen First Nations community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced cedar, enhancing sustainability.
02
Incorporates a centralized community hall for cultural gatherings.
03
Features integrated rainwater harvesting systems for resource efficiency.
04
Micro-units designed to encourage communal living and social interaction.
05
Emphasizes traditional Indigenous architectural elements in modern context.

## Overview
Kwantlen Village is located along the Fraser River in Langley, British Columbia, on a 24,000 m² site. The initiative aims to address the housing crisis faced by Indigenous communities, specifically the Kwantlen First Nations. Informed by a commitment to cultural heritage and contemporary living standards, the design seeks to honor Indigenous traditions while incorporating sustainable practices.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Design
The layout features micro-home units that can cluster to promote communal relationships, reflective of traditional plank house configurations. Key elements include a central Grand Hall for community events, community gardening areas for collective agricultural efforts, and open courtyards that facilitate social interactions among residents. These design choices are aimed at enhancing social cohesion and building a strong sense of community.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural approach integrates modern aesthetics with traditional influences by utilizing materials such as Western Red Cedar, concrete, gypsum board, and brushed aluminum. These materials not only provide structural integrity and aesthetic appeal but also emphasize sustainability in alignment with Indigenous values. Additionally, the project incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and skylights to enhance energy efficiency and support natural resource management. The emphasis on environmental consciousness reflects a commitment to land stewardship and resilience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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