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Concrete Textile Blocks Shaping Intimate Urban Spaces

Author:
Elias Nourry
Concrete Textile Blocks Shaping Intimate Urban Spaces
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Textile blocks crafted from concrete create a series of interconnected, intimate spaces that redefine urban living through functionality and thoughtful design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textile blocks are produced using advanced concrete techniques that enhance thermal efficiency.
02
Negative and heterotopic spaces are integrated to foster community interaction and personal privacy.
03
The design emphasizes a fluid connection between indoor living areas and the surrounding landscape.
04
Modular components allow for flexibility in use and space configuration.
05
Each block serves multiple functions, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The architectural design presents a detailed reinterpretation of brutalism, grounded in historical influence while addressing the needs of modern living. Located in an urban setting, the building emphasizes modular design, utilizing concrete for the mass production of repetitive elements. By doing this, it opens up exploration of space, inviting interaction and connection between the structure and its users.

Modularity and Functionality

At the core of the design is the combination of mass production and individual importance. Each unit is represented through specific blocks, including insulation, service, and seating blocks, which become essential parts of daily life. This focus on modularity challenges traditional ideas about use and appearance, offering aesthetic value that exists apart from typical utility.

Spatial Relationships

The design incorporates negative and heterotopic spaces, which play an important role in how the building operates. Living areas are linked through overlapping spaces, encouraging movement and connection among people. This arrangement adds to the overall functionality while promoting a sense of community and individuality in everyday experiences.

Integration with Environment

The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is another highlight of the design. Instead of relying only on clear views, the architecture fosters intimacy and a connection with the surrounding landscape. This relationship helps to blend indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing the experience for users and creating a harmonious environment.

Ornamentation and Aesthetics

The approach to ornamentation in the design seeks to merge form and function. By focusing on the relationship between these aspects, it avoids superficial decoration and establishes a strong narrative. Each architectural block serves not just as a physical part of the structure but also as a meaningful element in the overall experience of the space.

Light plays a vital role in the experience of the design. As it filters through various surfaces, it creates interesting patterns and shadows that change throughout the day. This interplay enhances the spatial experience, inviting users to engage with their environment in thoughtful ways. Each arrangement of blocks contributes to a unique setting, fostering connection and exploration.

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The Next House: USA
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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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