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Layered Concrete Facade with Expansive Glass and Timber Integration for Community Engagement

Layered Concrete Facade with Expansive Glass and Timber Integration for Community Engagement
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The layered concrete facade and expansive glass elements create a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, while carefully integrated timber framing supports flexible community spaces designed for diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered concrete facade enhances thermal performance while providing a modern appearance.
02
Expansive glass panels blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength with reduced environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to weather resistance and fire safety.
05
Tiered landscaping integrates seamlessly with the building’s multi-level design.

### Project Overview

Located in an urban context, the contemporary multi-purpose structure emphasizes a cohesive relationship between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design is characterized by a modernist approach that prioritizes clean lines and open spaces, facilitating both accessibility and interaction within the environment. The integration of a tiered staircase addresses the site's topographical challenges, creating a fluid transition between different elevations.

### Materiality and Construction

The choice of materials in the project is instrumental in both structural support and visual impact. Concrete masonry units form a significant portion of the façade, providing durability and requiring minimal maintenance. Expansive glass panels enhance transparency and allow natural light to permeate interior spaces, fostering a connection to the exterior landscape. The introduction of treated timber in handrails and framing softens the industrial element of concrete, achieving a balance between organic warmth and modern design. Paving stones at the entrance and staircase ensure robust pedestrian access while visually aligning with the broader architectural language.

### Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The innovative tiered staircase serves both practical and aesthetic functions, encouraging exploration around the building. Designed to maximize natural light and views, the structure's orientation enhances the user experience. An open-plan layout supports flexible use for various activities, promoting social interaction and community engagement. The integration of green spaces around the structure further highlights a deliberate intent to blend built forms with natural environments, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.

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The Next House: USA
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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