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Microclimates Created with Reinforced Concrete and Natural Stone for a Living Ecosystem

Microclimates Created with Reinforced Concrete and Natural Stone for a Living Ecosystem
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Featuring meticulously crafted microhabitats and an innovative use of reinforced concrete and natural stone, the design creates a functional greenhouse that nurtures biodiversity and human interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reinforced concrete for durability while promoting sustainable practices.
02
Incorporates natural stone pathways designed for optimal drainage and plant health.
03
Features expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and enhance visibility of plant life.
04
Includes multiple microclimates tailored to support diverse flora within a single ecosystem.
05
Employs timber elements to introduce warmth and a natural aesthetic to the interior spaces.

### Overview

Located within a designated ecological zone, the project occupies an area of 600 square meters and serves as a habitat for a diverse range of plant species. The intent is to create a space that fosters interaction between humans and the surrounding flora, providing opportunities for observation, reflection, and engagement in this vibrant ecosystem. This design reinterprets the concept of a living space by promoting a symbiotic relationship between built form and biodiversity.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is designed to facilitate exploration and movement through a series of interconnected open spaces that encourage interaction with both planted and cultivated areas. Natural paths weave through designated zones that cater to distinct plant habitats, emphasizing fluidity while ensuring that the architectural presence is unobtrusive. Curvilinear forms mimic natural landscapes, enhancing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and offering a cohesive sensory experience within the environment.

### Material Choices

The material palette is carefully selected to reflect ecological sustainability and enhance user experience. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while its raw finish aligns with the overall natural aesthetic. Natural stone is utilized for flooring and pathways, promoting effective drainage and a tactile connection to the environment. Expansive glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light, offering uninterrupted views of the landscape. Metal frameworks serve both structural and decorative purposes, while timber elements introduce warmth and a natural quality to the interior spaces.

The design incorporates microclimates to support a variety of plant ecosystems and features interactive zones that encourage visitor engagement with the flora. This adaptability to environmental changes highlights the project’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in architectural practice.

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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.

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

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