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Corten Steel Facade with Integrated Courtyard Providing Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence

Corten Steel Facade with Integrated Courtyard Providing Natural Ventilation in a Modern Family Residence
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Distinctively incorporating a corten steel facade and a central courtyard, the design prioritizes natural ventilation while seamlessly accommodating modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel panels adapt to sunlight and provide privacy through intricate patterns.
02
The central courtyard enhances airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
03
Autoclaved aerated concrete used for walls offers superior thermal insulation.
04
Sustainably sourced wood cladding contributes to the project’s low maintenance needs.
05
Innovative gray water recycling systems support sustainable water management.

### Overview

Located in a climate-sensitive environment, The Patio House exemplifies modern residential design through its integration of cultural context and sustainable practices. The architectural intent focuses on creating a modular structure that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its inhabitants, featuring a central open patio that fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design recognizes the importance of natural ventilation and communal interaction, facilitating family gatherings and everyday living.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of The Patio House is strategically divided into distinct zones to optimize functionality and comfort. The left and right wings house private living areas, allowing for a balance between communal and individual spaces while maximizing natural light and shading. Central to the configuration is the open patio, which serves as a green space essential for cooling and air circulation, providing a critical buffer against external temperature fluctuations. The master plan incorporates flexible floor plans with movable walls, enabling residents to adapt spaces for various activities—transitioning from intimate gatherings to larger communal events.

### Material Choices

Material selection for The Patio House emphasizes sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Corten steel panels form the modular façade, offering lightweight and dynamic responses to sunlight while enhancing privacy through artistic perforations. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) provides exceptional thermal insulation and fire resistance, contributing to energy efficiency. Sustainably sourced wood cladding enhances durability and reduces maintenance, while granite and limestone stone cladding introduces natural elements that align with environmental responsiveness. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels supports energy autonomy, and a gray water recycling system promotes resource efficiency in water use.

These design features collectively ensure that The Patio House stands as an adaptable living space, balancing the needs of its residents with a commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony.

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The Next House: USA
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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

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