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Cellulose-Filled Shelf Racks Create Flexible Living Spaces

Authors:
Aleksandra Krawczyk, Jakub Bąbik, Monika Popkiewicz
Cellulose-Filled Shelf Racks Create Flexible Living Spaces
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Filled with cellulose insulation, shelf racks form the structural backbone of a versatile living space designed to adapt to various user needs while promoting sustainability in residential architecture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes shelf racks as primary structural elements.
02
Incorporates cellulose insulation for enhanced thermal performance.
03
Designed for modular adaptability to changing user needs.
04
Promotes sustainability through recyclable materials.
05
Offers an open-plan layout to facilitate fluid circulation.

The design focuses on modular construction, set within a contemporary residential environment. It aims to offer an efficient solution to living while addressing issues of sustainability and adaptability. The concept utilizes shelf racks as the main structural element, blending functionality and eco-consciousness.

Design Concept

Rethinking traditional building practices, the project incorporates shelf racks typically used in storage and logistics. This choice capitalizes on the inherent strength of the racks to create walls and partitions. The structure emphasizes modularity, allowing for flexibility in how spaces are arranged and used over time.

Material Efficiency

Thermal performance plays a significant role in the design. Racks are filled with cellulose fibers, improving insulation and creating a comfortable indoor climate. This choice supports the aim of reducing energy use for heating and cooling. It aligns well with goals of sustainability by promoting resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.

Spatial Layout

The plan encourages natural movement between public and private areas. Communal spaces are designed to foster interaction, while private areas remain intimate and shielded. An open-plan approach enhances usability, providing a connected living experience. This flow creates a balance between social engagement and personal space.

Contextual Integration

The visual design complements its surroundings, maintaining a modern architectural language. Modular elements allow the structure to fit various site conditions gracefully. This adaptability showcases a practical response to changing residential needs, making the home relevant in a fluid urban landscape.

The thoughtful use of materials and space leads to a functional living area that embodies contemporary design principles. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance usability and sustainability, contributing to a well-rounded approach to modern living.

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

`
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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