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Floating Community Spaces Constructed from Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Geometric Patterns

Floating Community Spaces Constructed from Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Geometric Patterns
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Constructed with fiber-reinforced concrete and intricately patterned geometries, this floating community integrates sustainability and resilience into its design, providing adaptable living solutions in a coastal environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using fiber-reinforced concrete, enhancing structural stability and resilience.
02
Features modular units designed for easy reconfiguration based on resident needs.
03
Incorporates geometric patterns inspired by Islamic architecture, blending tradition with modernity.
04
Integrates renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind towers for sustainability.
05
Designed to adapt to rising sea levels, promoting a viable solution for coastal living.

## Overview

The Tessella project is situated in Dubai, addressing the pressing issues posed by climate change and urban expansion. This innovative floating modular structure integrates traditional Islamic aesthetics with contemporary technology to create flexible living spaces. The design aims to forge a connection between architecture and nature while presenting a viable housing solution that can adapt to environmental challenges.

## Modular Design and Spatial Configuration

The Tessella project employs a modular architectural approach that enhances adaptability for diverse family structures and lifestyles. Its geometric tessellation includes various shapes, such as decagons and hexagons, allowing the creation of interconnected units that serve both residential and communal purposes. This spatial strategy enhances individual privacy while fostering community interaction, enabling units to function autonomously or as part of a cohesive residential environment.

## Environmental and Material Considerations

The material selection for the Tessella project is designed with sustainability and resilience in mind. Fiber-reinforced concrete serves as the basis for buoyant pontoons, ensuring stability amid rising water levels. The overall design incorporates glass panels for natural light and energy efficiency, aluminum framing for structural integrity, and wooden decking for aesthetic and functional outdoor spaces. Additionally, the project incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and wind towers, enhancing its environmental performance while creating a comfortable microclimate.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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