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Hexagonal Living Spaces Featuring Aircrete and Smart Glass for Sustainable Community Integration

Hexagonal Living Spaces Featuring Aircrete and Smart Glass for Sustainable Community Integration
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Constructed with aircrete and smart glass, the hexagonal modules facilitate energy efficiency and water management, creating a sustainable habitat that fosters community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal modules enhance structural stability and spatial efficiency while promoting natural lighting.
02
Central water vortex serves as a thermal mass and water filtration system, optimizing energy use.
03
Smart glass regulates light and temperature within the greenhouse for year-round agricultural use.
04
Greywater recycling system supports irrigation, minimizing overall water consumption.
05
Solar panels integrated into the design further ensure energy self-sufficiency for the community.

### Overview

Located in an ecologically sensitive area, the project focuses on sustainable living solutions through innovative architectural design. Central to its conceptual framework is the role of water, which serves as a foundational element in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the building. The design utilizes biomimicry principles, illustrated by hexagonal structures that reflect organic patterns found in nature, specifically the molecular arrangements of water and carbon-based life forms.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout features a series of interconnected hexagonal modules, each designated for specific functions such as living spaces, a greenhouse, and communal areas. This geometric composition enhances structural integrity while maximizing usable space. A central **water vortex** serves as a thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures and contributing to the overall climate control. Additionally, the ground floor is optimized for natural light and ventilation, while the greenhouse on the second level employs **smart glass** technology for effective light and heat regulation. Outdoor areas include rainwater collection systems and artificial lakes to promote biodiversity and self-sufficiency.

### Sustainable Material Choices

Material selection is a critical aspect of the design, aimed at optimizing sustainability and energy efficiency. Key materials include:
- **Aircrete Modules** for superior insulation and lightweight construction.
- **Smart Glass** that regulates environmental conditions in the greenhouse while enhancing energy efficiency.
- **Solar Panels** strategically placed to maximize energy capture, ensuring the building’s energy independence.
- **Steel Structures** for durability and recyclability, supporting a long-term sustainable approach.
- **Rain Harvest Lake** designed for efficient water collection and irrigation, reinforcing the project's sustainability objectives.

This combination of innovative design strategies and selected materials underscores a commitment to creating a self-sufficient and environmentally conscious living space.

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MICROHOME 2026
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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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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