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Circular Design Embracing Natural Light with Sustainable Timber and Solar Panels

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Circular Design Embracing Natural Light with Sustainable Timber and Solar Panels
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With a circular layout that maximizes natural light, the residence employs sustainable timber construction and integrates solar panels, creating a flexible living space centered around a vibrant garden.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central garden enhances natural ventilation and daylight throughout the living spaces.
02
Sliding panels provide flexible space arrangements for various activities and needs.
03
Circular layout promotes communal interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
Incorporation of rainwater harvesting supports sustainable water management practices.
05
Use of charred wooden shingles reduces maintenance and increases durability.

### Overview

Located within an urban context, the design emphasizes a contemporary take on residential living, drawing from historical housing models such as the Roman Domus and the Chinese Shiyuyan. The project incorporates central courtyards to integrate interior and exterior environments, highlighting a commitment to both functional and sustainable living spaces. The layout is meticulously designed to enhance connectivity while providing privacy, promoting an adaptable living experience.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptability

The design utilizes a circular layout that optimizes movement and interaction among occupants. A central courtyard serves as both a garden and a source of natural light and ventilation, fostering a harmonized living environment. Sliding panels within the layout allow users to adjust spatial divisions, enabling a flexible configuration that caters to communal activities and personal solitude. This organization not only enhances the overall livability but also encourages a balance between social engagement and private retreat.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette is carefully chosen to support sustainability and a connection with the natural environment. Key materials include:

- **Wood**: Used for roofing, walls, and flooring, offering warmth and durability while aligning with the natural setting.
- **Steel**: Incorporated in structural components for resilience and aesthetic value.
- **Glass**: Employed in windows and sliding panels to maximize light and provide visual links to the outdoor landscape.
- **Solar Panels**: Integrated into the roof design for energy generation, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainable practices.
- **Waterproof Membrane**: Enhances the structure's longevity by preventing moisture intrusion.
- **Acoustic Ceiling Tiles**: Improve indoor sound quality, contributing to acoustic comfort.

Additionally, features such as a rainwater harvesting system and energy-efficient appliances minimize the ecological footprint and promote a sustainable lifestyle. The circular form not only serves aesthetic purposes but also facilitates natural airflow and optimal daylight penetration, ensuring a comfortable living environment throughout the year. The integration of advanced technologies with natural systems exemplifies a commitment to efficiency and sustainable 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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