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Engaging Community Spaces with Recycled Bricks and Private Courtyards

Authors:
Mu Dong Jung, Tracy Tan
Engaging Community Spaces with Recycled Bricks and Private Courtyards
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Recycled bricks form the foundation of a community-focused layout that seamlessly integrates private courtyards and communal spaces, designed specifically for wine enthusiasts seeking both connection and intimacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled bricks create dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.
02
Private courtyards enhance quiet moments among communal activities.
03
Subterranean kitchen optimally preserves wine with stable humidity.
04
Dwellings transition from below ground to elevated views of the landscape.
05
Design emphasizes a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment.

The design, titled "AROMA," is located in an attractive landscape characterized by gentle hills and a backdrop of mountains. The focus is on cultivating an intimate atmosphere centered around the enjoyment of wine. The concept aims to create a space where residents can both socialize and retreat to personal solitude, offering a balanced environment for communal and individual experiences.

Spatial Arrangement
-
The layout of AROMA carefully balances shared community areas with private living spaces. Dwellings are intentionally placed to facilitate interaction while ensuring that residents can find quiet moments when needed. This arrangement reflects a deep understanding of how community living can thrive, with social areas designed to draw people together without compromising personal space. Inviting warmth and connection are important elements in the design.

Integration with Nature
-
The design holds a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, responding thoughtfully to the site's features. Dwellings shift from below ground to above, allowing residents to experience different spatial qualities. This transition enhances the interaction between the interior spaces and the outside world. Sunlight and scenic views are maximized, contributing to a peaceful living environment. The relationship with nature is not merely visual; it is felt in how spaces are used day by day.

Materiality and Sustainability
-
Recycled bricks from existing structures on the site are a key material in the design. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and acknowledges the local history. By reusing bricks, the project reduces waste and creates a visual connection to the past. The textured surfaces created by the bricks bring depth to the building, allowing light and shadow to play across the walls throughout the day.

Functional Design Features
-
A communal kitchen located below ground serves as an essential feature, providing space for cooking and wine storage. This area benefits from consistent temperature and humidity, essential for preserving wine. This thoughtful design approach ensures that practical needs are met while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Open private courtyards, adorned with brick walls, encourage residents to pause and enjoy moments of tranquility, particularly at sunset when the setting sun casts soft shadows across the spaces, creating a serene backdrop for relaxation.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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