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Curved Living Spaces Enhanced by Cross Beams in a Compact Urban Setting

Authors:
Noriyuki Hikida, Tetsuya Okazaki
Curved Living Spaces Enhanced by Cross Beams in a Compact Urban Setting
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Curved surfaces and cross beams define a compact two-story residence that revitalizes traditional nagaya living by enhancing community interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved geometry integrates with traditional framework, enhancing structural dynamics.
02
Cross beams replace standard supports, allowing for more open interior spaces.
03
The design promotes natural light and airflow through thoughtful spatial arrangement.
04
Community interaction is fostered through minimized internal barriers.
05
Adaptive layout responds to urban density while preserving privacy for residents.

Folding Nature House is a thoughtful take on traditional Japanese tenement houses, known as nagaya. It addresses modern urban challenges, such as high density and changing social patterns, creating a living environment that supports community connections while meeting the needs of families today. The design emphasizes space efficiency and flexibility, using a compact two-story layout commonly found in nagaya.

Structural Configuration
The building features a three-dimensional form made from two-dimensional curves, which creates a unique appearance that engages with the surrounding area. These curves are not merely decorative; they allow natural light and fresh air to flow into the home. The design maintains the spirit of shared living typical of nagaya while reinforcing the structure, balancing open areas with private spaces.

Cross Beam Integration
Incorporating cross beams into the existing framework is a significant aspect of the design. These beams replace traditional horizontal supports, allowing for larger, open interior spaces while ensuring the building remains stable. The arrangement of these beams creates a network of lines that enhances the spatial experience, blurring the distinction between inside and outside.

Adaptive Space Utilization
Folding Nature House emphasizes minimizing internal space to enhance external connections. This choice fosters a sense of community reminiscent of traditional nagaya living. The design encourages interaction with outdoor areas while still providing privacy for individual residents.

The focus on curves not only adds visual interest but also offers practical benefits. The design allows for better natural resource management, promoting a blend of indoor and outdoor living. This attention to detail highlights how architectural features can create meaningful spaces for people to live and connect.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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