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Metabolizing Urban Living Through Recyclable Pods and 3d Printed Materials

Authors:
Ailun Jin, Siqin Liu
Metabolizing Urban Living Through Recyclable Pods and 3d Printed Materials
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Utilizing advanced 3D printing and a modular pod system, this design emphasizes resource efficiency and adaptability in urban living, offering a contemporary solution for high-density housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular pod system that adapts to resident needs and life cycles.
02
Incorporates an on-site 3D printing hub for efficient pod creation and recycling.
03
Features vertical transit tubes for dynamic movement between living units.
04
Constructed with powdered materials that allow for full recyclability.
05
Emphasizes community interaction through shared communal areas and flexible spaces.

### Overview
The "Time Pixel - Metabolism" project is situated within an urban context, embodying principles of sustainability and advanced technology. The design features a series of personalized, recyclable living pods that adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. By challenging traditional concepts of space and temporality, the project aims to create an engaging living environment that interacts dynamically with both residents and material resources.

### Spatial Dynamics and Structural Systems
The architectural framework presents a tubular skeletal structure, deviating from conventional slab-supported designs. This configuration allows for flexible spatial arrangements, accommodating living pods at various heights to reflect their life spans. Vertical circulation is facilitated by transporting tubes that enable smooth movement and are designed to enhance natural light within the building. This vertical integration supports the pods' gradual descent as they approach the end of their functional life, promoting an efficient cycle of production and regeneration.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Sustainability is integral to the project's material strategy. It utilizes powdered materials for 3D printing, which can be recycled and reconstituted, reinforcing a circular economy approach. Additional elements include glass and composite materials for translucent surfaces, maximizing daylight penetration and visual continuity with the environment. Structural components such as aluminum and steel provide both strength and flexibility, allowing the design to adapt to the dynamic demands of urban living.

Personalized living pods can be customized to meet individual occupant needs, enhancing user comfort and ownership. The design supports space sharing, further optimizing functionality in compact environments. An energy circulation system minimizes waste by centralizing utilities, promoting self-sufficiency and efficiency. Additionally, the project is intentionally integrated with its urban surroundings, fostering public engagement through shared spaces and interaction with the cityscape.

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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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