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Curved Metal Panels and Natural Light Create Fluid Living Spaces in Eco-Friendly Design

Authors:
Wesley Bryan Fung, Tsz Wing Wu, Nok Yue Chan
Curved Metal Panels and Natural Light Create Fluid Living Spaces in Eco-Friendly Design
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Curved metal panels enveloped in natural light define this eco-friendly residence, seamlessly integrating flexible living spaces with sustainable materials to enhance the connection between occupants and their surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved metal panels provide an organic exterior that echoes natural forms.
02
Moveable bedrooms enhance adaptability and occupant comfort within the living space.
03
A micro incinerator integrates waste management into the design for sustainable living.
04
Large glass openings frame scenic views while maximizing natural light throughout.
05
Timber flooring from sustainable sources adds warmth and tactile quality to interiors.

### Overview
The "Fairies" project is situated in an area known for its visibility of the aurora, serving as a focal point for the design's thematic inspirations. Reflecting the natural phenomenon of the aurora and the associated folklore, the architecture aims to create a tranquil living environment that emphasizes fluidity and grace. The design integrates organic forms, engaging with the surrounding landscape to promote a sense of connection between the structure and nature.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the complex is strategically designed to facilitate movement and interaction. It is organized into distinct public and private zones:
- **Private Zone**: This retreat area features master bedrooms and lounging spaces designed for relaxation, while offering panoramic views of the natural surroundings.
- **Guest Zone**: Communal areas such as dining spaces and saunas promote social engagement, providing facilities tailored for both residents and visitors.

### Material Characteristics
Material selection is integral to the project's overall vision, balancing aesthetic appeal with structural functionality:
- **Curved Metal Panels**: These elements provide both fluidity and structural support, echoing the organic lines of the aurora.
- **Steel Frame Structure**: This robust framework allows for expansive interior spaces while ensuring stability.
- **Glass**: Used to maximize natural light and facilitate visual connections with the outdoor environment.
- **Wooden Flooring**: Introduces warmth indoors, aligning with the project's focus on an organic experience.

### Specific Design Features
Distinctive features enhance the site's functionality and sustainability:
- **Moveable Bedrooms**: These adaptable living quarters allow occupants to customize their space according to their needs, fostering comfort and personal connection with the environment.
- **Micro Incinerator**: Embedded within the architectural model, this feature reflects a commitment to sustainable waste management practices.

### Spatial Quality
Attention to spatial qualities enhances the user's experience:
- **Optimized Openings**: Strategically placed windows frame stunning views of the aurora, forging an intimate relationship between the occupants and the natural environment.
- **Harmonious Ambiance**: Curved ceilings and walls are designed to echo the surrounding landscape, establishing a cohesive internal atmosphere that aligns with the external beauty.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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

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