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Corten Steel Facades and 3d Printed Walls Transform Modular Living Spaces in Sustainable Community Design

Corten Steel Facades and 3d Printed Walls Transform Modular Living Spaces in Sustainable Community Design
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3D printed walls and Corten steel facades create a flexible housing solution that integrates indoor gardens and communal courtyards, facilitating sustainable living in a modern residential community.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed walls allow for rapid and customized construction.
02
Corten steel facades enhance durability while providing an industrial aesthetic.
03
Flexible modular layouts accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles.
04
Indoor gardens promote biophilia and improve air quality within living spaces.
05
Zero-lot expansion options enable residents to adapt their homes as needs change.

### Overview

Located in a region noted for its architectural heritage, the Living Roots Project integrates contemporary design practices with traditional influences to promote sustainability and community engagement. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that respond to varying needs while fostering a sense of connection among residents. By embracing a strong cultural narrative, the design not only respects past architectural norms but also addresses the current demands of urban living.

### Spatial Design and User Experience

The architectural layout employs a 3m x 3m grid system, allowing for modular configurations that accommodate diverse family needs, ranging from two to five bedrooms. Each residential unit is systematically organized into public, semi-public, and private areas to facilitate interaction while ensuring privacy. Expansive courtyards serve as focal points for social engagement, while the interior spaces are designed to be versatile, enabling transitions between different functions throughout the day. Features such as large windows and sliding doors promote a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Selected materials reflect a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. The use of 3D printed walls allows for efficient construction and design flexibility. Durable options like Corten steel and white plaster not only ensure longevity but also harmonize with the project’s overall aesthetic. Additional sustainable elements include solar panels for energy efficiency, tensile fabric for movable shading systems, and recycled materials used in landscaping. Biophilic design principles are evident through the incorporation of indoor gardens and green walls, which enhance air quality and promote a connection to nature, particularly vital in the region's arid climate.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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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