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Geopolymer Housing with Rice Husk Integration for Urban Living

Author:
Ishan Rakshit
Geopolymer Housing with Rice Husk Integration for Urban Living
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Utilizing Geopolymers and rice husk, the design integrates adaptable living and working spaces in response to Mumbai's urban density, creating a sustainable residence that optimizes function and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Geopolymers, significantly reducing construction waste.
02
Incorporates rice husk as an aggregate for enhanced moisture management.
03
Features a dynamic layout allowing multiple daily functions.
04
Includes collapsible windows for improved street interaction.
05
Designed for rapid assembly, completing construction in just eight days.

MAKA is a 3D printed architectural prototype designed to tackle the specific challenges of Mumbai, India, a city known for its high population density and hot, humid climate. The project aims to find efficient construction strategies suitable for urban environments where available space is limited and housing needs are growing. The main design concept focuses on flexibility and functionality, combining living and working spaces to meet the diverse requirements of modern life.

Spatial Organization
The layout includes two distinct setups. The "Morning Setup" accommodates living and work activities, while the "Night Setup" supports leisure and dining. This arrangement enables users to adapt spaces for different needs throughout the day. Carefully placed openings enhance natural light and encourage air circulation, which is essential for comfort in Mumbai's warm conditions.

Material Strategy
The project uses Geopolymers as the primary building material, providing an alternative to traditional Portland cement. This choice allows for quicker construction and reduces waste, aligning with eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the project incorporates rice husk as an aggregate within the Geopolymer mix, which makes use of a local agricultural byproduct. By doing this, the design supports local sustainability and helps manage moisture levels inside the building.

Architectural Features
Maka features adaptable elements designed to maximize usability in compact areas. Folding chairs make it possible for spaces to shift from leisure areas to communal gathering spots. Retractable beds are cleverly stored beneath bay windows to make the most of vertical space. Collapsible windows encourage interaction with the street, blurring the line between private living and public engagement.

Sustainable Practices
Solar panels are integrated into the southern roof, efficiently capturing renewable energy for use in the building. This addition demonstrates a commitment to sustainability while keeping the inverter hidden under the staircase, which maintains a tidy visual aesthetic in the living area. These features together show a thorough approach to sustainable urban design, meeting immediate user needs while considering the environment.

The design culminates in double-height spaces, featuring skylights that bring in natural light and create a connection to the outside world. This thoughtful arrangement not only enhances the interior experience but also emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

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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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