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Geothermal Courtyards Enveloped in Photovoltaic Textiles and Natural Greenery

Geothermal Courtyards Enveloped in Photovoltaic Textiles and Natural Greenery
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Integrated photovoltaic textiles and geothermal systems create a sustainable living environment that centers around private courtyards, enhancing community interaction while promoting energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated photovoltaic textiles provide dynamic shading while generating energy for the residence.
02
Geothermal systems maintain thermal comfort, significantly reducing energy consumption.
03
Private courtyards enhance community interactions and promote natural ventilation.
04
Hydroponic green walls improve indoor air quality and connectivity to nature.
05
Insulated concrete forms optimize insulation and structural performance in the design.

### Overview

Located in a region influenced by traditional Middle Eastern architecture, the project emphasizes the creation of a sustainable living environment through modern practices. The design aims to foster community living while drawing connections to cultural significance, focusing on the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and passive design strategies to enhance resident comfort.

### Spatial Organization

The residential layout features private courtyards that serve as central hubs for social interaction and environmental comfort. The organization of spaces is systematic, categorizing areas into defined zones: private bedrooms for relaxation, communal active zones for gatherings, and private living spaces for intimate meetings. This thoughtful arrangement enhances accessibility and flow, facilitating a cohesive living experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Attention to materiality plays a critical role in the project’s sustainability efforts. Key materials include insulated concrete forms (ICF) for thermal performance, photovoltaic textiles in the roofing system for energy generation and shading, and geothermal pumps for efficient heating and cooling. Additionally, hydroponic green walls contribute to aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, promoting better indoor air quality and temperature regulation. These selections align with local design traditions while optimizing energy efficiency and ecological impact.

The integration of movable photovoltaic textiles allows residents to dynamically adjust shading in response to sunlight, promoting comfort while minimizing glare and heat. The overall design incorporates biophilic principles, fostering a connection with nature through green spaces that enhance well-being and establish a nurturing atmosphere.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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