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Geometric Patterns and Metal Cladding Define Private Living Spaces in a Communal Courtyard House

Geometric Patterns and Metal Cladding Define Private Living Spaces in a Communal Courtyard House
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Emphasizing geometric patterns and a metal-clad facade, the design integrates a central courtyard that facilitates both privacy and communal living in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade incorporates intricate geometric patterns that provide both aesthetics and privacy.
02
A central open-air courtyard serves as a communal hub, enhancing social interaction while maintaining privacy.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles create a unique texture and reduce maintenance needs.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light and airflow throughout the living spaces.

**Overview**
Located at the intersection of contemporary living and cultural introspection, the architectural design addresses the theme of privacy through the lens of Islamic and Eastern cultural values. By exploring the tension between individual freedom and social integration, the project proposes a residential layout that prioritizes both personal autonomy and community interaction. The central concept advocates for a redefinition of privacy, promoting it as a communal asset that enhances social wellbeing.

**Spatial Strategy and Layout**
The architectural layout is centered around an open-air courtyard, designed to act as a focal point for both private and communal activities. This central feature facilitates interaction among residents while providing an opportunity to retreat into personal spaces. The organization of the floor plans reflects a strategic balance: the first and second levels are arranged to allow visibility and accessibility to communal areas, with living rooms and kitchens oriented towards the courtyard. Notable design elements such as the integration of a "play room" and dedicated guest quarters underscore the blending of private and social environments, supported by the inclusion of expansive windows that enhance natural light and psychological comfort.

**Materiality and Architectural Features**
The facade features geometric patterns that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, illustrating the project's commitment to privacy. This patterned cladding utilizes light and shadow to delineate private spaces, such as bedrooms and guest rooms, while contributing to the building's visual identity. The choice of materials, likely including concrete for structural integrity, glass for transparency and light, and metalwork for detailed patterns, reflects a dual emphasis on durability and cultural resonance. This careful selection fosters a cohesive relationship between the interior and exterior, reinforcing the project's overall intent of enhancing individual freedom within a communal setting.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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