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Flexible Living Spaces with Nomadic Apparatuses and Sustainable Wood Elements

Flexible Living Spaces with Nomadic Apparatuses and Sustainable Wood Elements
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Nomadic apparatuses and moveable elements define a flexible living environment, creating a seamless blend of shared and personal spaces that cater to communal functions in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Nomadic apparatuses allow for dynamic reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
A vertical greenhouse integrates urban gardening into communal areas.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic and fire resistance.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the building.

### Project Overview

Located in Chicago, Illinois, "The Domestic Nomad" explores shared and seasonal living through innovative design principles. Influenced by Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy in *A Thousand Plateaus*, the project seeks to redefine traditional notions of domesticity, emphasizing adaptability and community interaction. This approach allows for a reconfiguration of household spaces that respond to both individual needs and communal activities.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The design promotes a flexible use of space, integrating various household activities—such as cooking, sleeping, and working—within a communal framework. A key feature is the introduction of "Nomadic Apparatuses," movable elements that facilitate fluid interactions between private and public domains. By enabling dynamic spatial relationships, these elements enhance user experience and foster a sense of community among residents.

The layout consists of distinct zones that cater to diverse living scenarios. The "Public Ground" area serves multifaceted purposes, functioning as a workshop, communal living room, and outdoor pavilion. Adjacent to this is the "Greenhouse," a vertical garden that encourages urban gardening and provides a connection to nature. These thoughtfully designed spaces promote social engagement while maintaining individual comfort.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

Material selection plays a significant role in the architecture’s resilience and functionality. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural component, providing stability, while extensive glazing ensures transparency and visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood elements are utilized in joinery to add warmth, and aluminum features contribute a modern aesthetic.

Sustainability is prioritized through climate-responsive strategies that enhance energy efficiency. Design elements such as overhangs and shading devices optimize natural light and encourage natural ventilation. This integration of building systems with environmental considerations supports sustainable living practices, responding to the unique climate of Chicago.

The sectional and plan layouts further reflect a deliberate distribution of space, with communal areas on the ground floor transitioning into more private spaces on the upper levels. The design maintains visual and functional connections throughout, allowing for privacy without isolation. Overall, the project embodies a thoughtful synthesis of innovative living solutions, environmental awareness, and materiality.

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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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