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Charred Timber and Structural Glass Form a Resilient Habitat Embedded in Rugged Terrain
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Combining charred timber and structural glass, the design creates a resilient living environment that seamlessly integrates with its rugged landscape while prioritizing sustainability and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred timber for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a living green roof that promotes biodiversity and natural insulation.
03
Incorporates high-strength structural glass to maximize natural light and views.
04
Adopts a modular design allowing for flexible spatial configurations.
05
Integrates a water management system designed to handle localized precipitation efficiently.

### Overview

Located in a rugged terrain characterized by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, the project embodies a thoughtful response to current societal challenges, including pandemics, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties. The design aims to create a protective yet adaptive environment, allowing inhabitants to engage with nature while remaining insulated from its unpredictability. Utilizing a geometric grid based on the Fibonacci series, the structure promotes spatial flexibility and stability, echoing the inherent qualities of volcanic landscapes.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptation

The building features a modular layout composed of distinct sections that can be reconfigured to meet the needs of its occupants. This adaptability facilitates a range of living arrangements, from communal spaces to private settings. Internally, flexible walls and furniture enable various functional scenarios, enhancing the versatility of the internal environment. The strategic placement of openings maximizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere that encourages interaction with the surrounding landscape.

### Sustainable Integration and Material Selection

Sustainability is central to the design, with elements such as an efficient water-use system and organic solar technologies minimizing ecological impact. The primary structure is constructed from **KINGSPAN** panels for thermal efficiency, while high-strength structural glass floors enhance transparency and interaction with the natural environment. A living green roof not only integrates the building into its context but also contributes to thermal regulation. Additionally, the use of polished surfaces around the foundation reflects light, blurring the boundaries between the building and its surroundings, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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