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Expandable Living Spaces with Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Framework

Expandable Living Spaces with Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Framework
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Incorporating an expandable design with a rail system and polycarbonate facades, this residence optimizes spatial versatility while utilizing sustainable birchwood to create an adaptable home that supports both educational and recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rail system for spatial expansion and retraction.
02
Utilizes birchwood for both structural support and aesthetic finish.
03
Features polycarbonate panels that allow natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Designed to serve as both a home and adaptable educational space.
05
Integrates solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainability.

## Overview
Located in a contemporary urban environment, the Lens House is a two-floor residential structure designed to meet the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Inspired by the functions of a vintage camera, the residence serves as both a comfortable home for a couple and a flexible space that can function as a classroom during the day and a theater by night. The design embodies versatility and reflects a commitment to sustainability through its modular approach.

### Spatial Responsiveness
The Lens House features a modular design that allows for adaptation in its physical footprint. Utilizing rail tracks at its base, the structure can expand and contract to optimize its space based on function. This adaptability is complemented by a distinct zoning strategy that separates private living areas from public functional spaces, ensuring both comfort and privacy for the residents.

### Material Selection and Energy Considerations
The choice of materials in the Lens House supports both aesthetic and sustainable objectives. The wood frame construction and chipboard panels contribute to a lightweight structure, while birchwood finishes enhance durability and warmth. Polycarbonate facade panels allow natural light to permeate the interiors while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels on the roof exemplifies a commitment to harnessing renewable energy, reinforcing the building’s sustainability ethos. These features harmonize form and function, reflecting a modern approach to residential architecture.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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