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Compact Core Residence with Sustainable Design and Arched Facade

Authors:
Man Hin Ma, Ivy Chen, Nyla Mas
Compact Core Residence with Sustainable Design and Arched Facade
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A compact core residence integrates a sustainable design with arched facades, creating distinct spaces for living while emphasizing privacy and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Core design incorporates dual functions for living and storage.
02
Arched facade creates a seamless transition between public and private spaces.
03
Sustainable features include solar panels and a water collection system.
04
Distinct kitchen core allows for efficient culinary activities within the compact layout.
05
Minimalist approach promotes retention of only meaningful personal items.

In a future characterized by rapid digital change and shifting societal expectations, the design for Albert and Jenny in 2069 addresses essential questions about identity and privacy. Set against a backdrop where personal expression often contrasts with curated public images, the architecture utilizes a concept that contrasts a showroom with a practical storage space. This thoughtful approach engages with the complexities of modern living while creating an intimate yet flexible environment.

Architectural Concept

The design serves a dual purpose; it functions as both an attractive showroom and a practical storeroom. This arrangement reflects the dual nature of our lives today. It captures how people often showcase a polished version of themselves, while their private lives may present a different reality. By exploring these themes, the design highlights the ongoing dialogue around self-presentation and personal space.

Spatial Arrangement

At the heart of the home is a compact core or reservoir that holds significant personal belongings and essential items. This aligns with a minimalist philosophy, encouraging individuals to keep only what is meaningful. The layout includes two distinct areas: a main core for living functions and a separate kitchen core. This organization allows for smooth movement throughout the space. It is designed to adapt, reflecting the possible future of microhomes.

Facade and Privacy

The house incorporates arches in its facade, creating a transitional area between public and private spaces. This design element plays a crucial role in enhancing intimacy and privacy. Inhabitants can move between social interaction and solitude with ease. Features such as doors and curtains allow Albert and Jenny to control their exposure to the outside world. This careful separation of spaces demonstrates a balance between functionality and personal comfort.

Sustainability Features

A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability and self-sufficiency within the project. The integration of solar panels and water collection systems promotes environmental responsibility and ensures that the home can operate independently. This strategy aligns with modern trends in residential design, underscoring the importance of ecological considerations in future living.

The arrangement of spaces, along with thoughtfully designed architectural elements, creates an environment that invites daily interactions and reflections on personal life. The balance of public display and private refuge is expressed through the layout, showcasing a comprehensive approach to living in the future.

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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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