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Glued Laminated Arches and Recycled Timber Create Compact Sustainable Living

Authors:
Joanna Korczyńska, Katarzyna Gniazdowska
Glued Laminated Arches and Recycled Timber Create Compact Sustainable Living
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Glued laminated arches and recycled timber create a compact structure designed for sustainable living, maximizing functionality within a 25 square meter footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glued laminated arches enhance structural integrity while creating a distinctive roof profile.
02
Recycled timber from decommissioned buildings is used for exterior panels, promoting sustainability.
03
An upper-arc space provides additional storage without occupying floor area.
04
Integrated wind turbines supply renewable energy for household use.
05
Rainwater harvesting system ensures efficient water management for domestic needs.

The Eco Arc House is a compact solution for sustainable living within a small area of 25 square meters. Positioned in various environments, it incorporates essential spaces like a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom, along with a workspace. The design focuses on efficiency and adaptability, providing comfort for modern lifestyles while blending into its surroundings.

Structural Design

The design features a straightforward form topped by an arc made from glued laminated timber. This arch not only adds to the aesthetic quality but also enhances the structural integrity of the building. Above, there is additional storage space that effectively makes use of the vertical dimension, keeping the living area organized and free from clutter.

Material Application

Natural materials are a core aspect of the Eco Arc House. The primary material used throughout the interior and exterior is wood. Plywood serves as the main finish for surfaces and furniture, combining practicality with an appealing look. External panels are made of recycled timber sourced from old buildings, which supports the aim of sustainability and minimizes waste during construction.

Sustainability Features

The house includes systems that utilize renewable resources, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Wind turbines generate energy, which is stored in batteries for residential use. Rainwater is collected for domestic purposes, filtered, and heated, ensuring a reliable water supply. Wastewater is managed in a treatment plant before being released into the soil, allowing the building to function within its environmental context effectively.

Urban Layout Adaptability

The Eco Arc House supports a modular design that can be arranged in multiple ways. By linking units with decks, it is possible to create communal spaces, such as inner courtyards. This flexibility enhances community interaction and offers various living arrangements to suit different needs, contributing to a more engaging living environment.

The arched roof shape allows ample natural light to fill the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere. It enhances the sense of space while providing a unique and pleasant environment that residents can enjoy daily.

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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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