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Marine Habitat Built Using Biodegradable Materials and Hexagonal Structures for Sustainable Living
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Floating habitats crafted from biodegradable materials utilize hexagonal designs to enhance community interaction while promoting sustainable living in a marine environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structures designed with marine biodiversity in mind, encouraging local ecosystem growth.
02
Utilizes innovative biodegradable materials to minimize environmental footprint.
03
Hexagonal layouts enhance community cohesion while offering privacy to residents.
04
Integrated aquaponics systems provide self-sustaining food production within the habitat.
05
Incorporates smart glass technology for energy efficiency and climate control.

### Overview
Located in the context of rising sea levels, the design for Beyond Laputa envisions a floating community that addresses the challenges faced by coastal cities like Dubai. The project seeks to redefine urban living by creating structures that integrate ecological considerations with innovative design principles. Inspired by Jonathan Swift's fictional island in "Gulliver's Travels," the approach emphasizes resilience, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
Beyond Laputa features an innovative spatial strategy that prioritizes flexible living arrangements while promoting communal interaction. The design incorporates organic, rounded forms that are reminiscent of natural elements, fostering a sense of fluidity within the environment. Hexagonal configurations facilitate communal spaces that encourage social engagement, while also allowing for privacy among residents.

The layout of the community is structured to promote stewardship and collaboration, enhancing social cohesion among inhabitants. By integrating shared spaces, the project underscores the importance of collective responsibility in environmental preservation, creating a living experience that is both interactive and inclusive.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette of Beyond Laputa reflects a commitment to sustainability and ecological conformity. Structures utilize locally sourced materials, such as clay and natural fibers, which minimize the environmental impact associated with construction. Additionally, the incorporation of recycled polymers and bio-materials enhances resilience against erosion and flooding, ensuring lasting durability.

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of the design; photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are integrated to support self-sustainability, reducing reliance on conventional power sources. The project also incorporates advanced technologies, such as aquaponics and vertical farming systems, aimed at fostering local food production and promoting a culture of sustainability. In addition, underwater features encourage marine biodiversity, creating an ecosystem that supports both human habitation and aquatic life.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
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

Open architecture competitions

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Design slow sauna in Iceland

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Design a concrete pavilion

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

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Take a step and make a statement!

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Prize 100,000 €
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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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