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Cor-Ten Steel Canopies and Natural Wood Facades Enhance Coastal Living Experience

Cor-Ten Steel Canopies and Natural Wood Facades Enhance Coastal Living Experience
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Cor-Ten steel canopies gracefully frame expansive glass facades, creating a seamless connection to the ocean while providing sustainable living spaces designed for community engagement along the California coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates Cor-Ten steel canopies that naturally weather over time, enhancing the building's visual character.
02
Thermally modified ash wood is used extensively for cladding, offering durability and a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
03
An innovative rainwater harvesting system is integrated into the design, promoting water conservation throughout the property.
04
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural light while framing unobstructed ocean views from every unit.
05
The staggered layout of the residential units fosters a sense of privacy while promoting community interaction in shared spaces.

### Project Overview
**Title:** Roots
**Location:** This project is situated in regions of Latin America and North America that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including severe weather patterns. The intent is to create a sustainable living environment through the construction of underground micro-houses, aiming to reduce ecological footprints and promote self-sufficiency within a community framework.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout
The project's design employs a circular floor plan to enhance interaction and efficiency within communal spaces. Each micro-house comprises distinct zones: a partially enclosed sleeping area for privacy, a centrally located living area for communal activities, and shared amenities designed for social gatherings and agricultural practices. This layout prioritizes both individual privacy and community engagement, fostering a sense of togetherness among residents.

### Material and Sustainability Approaches
Material selection is fundamental to the project's sustainability objectives. Primary materials include adobe brick for its thermal insulation properties, earth plaster for environmentally friendly interior finishes, and responsibly sourced wood for structural accents. The project emphasizes local sourcing of materials to minimize carbon footprints.

Sustainability strategies include the reuse of excavated soil for adobe production, the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, and the integration of a biodigester system for wastewater treatment. These elements collectively promote energy independence and environmental stewardship while encouraging residents to participate actively in community gardening initiatives. The design also features a central oculus for natural light, supplemented by adjustable artificial lighting to enhance internal ambiance.

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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.

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

Open architecture competitions

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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