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Fractal Design Featuring Photovoltaic Collectors and Ceramic Facade in Sustainable Community Living

Fractal Design Featuring Photovoltaic Collectors and Ceramic Facade in Sustainable Community Living
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Utilizing a fractal form and integrating photovoltaic collectors within a ceramic facade, this residential space is designed to foster community interaction while promoting sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a fractal architectural form to enhance natural light and airflow.
02
Incorporates ceramic tiles for the facade, providing durability and a unique aesthetic.
03
Features energy bulbs on the roof to optimize solar energy capture.
04
Designed around three distinct gardens that support biodiversity and community interaction.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for efficient water management.

### Overview
The Fractal Splinter project, designed for an architectural competition focusing on future living spaces, articulates a unique residential approach that integrates sustainability with local cultural practices and modern architectural methodologies. Located in a context where natural ecosystems interact closely with urban settings, the design aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between habitation and nature, guiding the evolution of architectural practices to confront contemporary and future challenges.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The spatial configuration consists of interconnected living areas organized around three distinct gardens: the Home Garden, Social Garden, and Wild Garden. The Home Garden serves as a private retreat, facilitating personal engagement with nature through opportunities for cultivation. The Social Garden functions as a communal space, promoting social interaction and fostering community ties. Lastly, the Wild Garden supports local biodiversity, enhancing the ecological framework of the surrounding landscape.

Internally, a central green corridor lined with living and communal spaces maximizes natural light and integrates vegetation, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. This design choice enhances user experience by creating an ambient atmosphere that encourages both private reflection and community engagement.

### Materiality and Environmental Features
The architectural form features a distinct splintered design that emphasizes ventilation, light penetration, and visual interest. The materials employed include ceramic, used for facades to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal; annealed bronze, which adds structural integrity while contributing to the building's distinctive character; and photovoltaic collectors integrated into energy-efficient structures on the roof to support the project’s energy self-sufficiency.

Environmental sustainability is a critical element of this design. Strategies implemented involve energy-efficient thermal collectors that minimize heating demands, passive climate control techniques that encourage natural ventilation, and water management systems that incorporate rainwater harvesting and permeable surfaces. These features reflect a commitment to ecological stewardship while enhancing the living environment.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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