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Modular Living Spaces Featuring Eco-Friendly Aluminum Cladding and Sustainable Design Principles

Modular Living Spaces Featuring Eco-Friendly Aluminum Cladding and Sustainable Design Principles
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Modular units constructed with aluminum cladding and energy-efficient designs create adaptable living and workspaces that address urban housing challenges in Colombia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration based on resident needs.
02
Integration of communal green spaces enhances community cohesion.
03
Energy-efficient systems and photovoltaic panels reduce utility costs.
04
The design promotes flexibility for both residential and commercial use.
05
Aluminum cladding lowers maintenance while providing durability.

### Project Overview
The BiFlex Micro Units project is situated in Colombia, addressing ongoing socio-economic challenges, including insufficient housing and limited employment opportunities within vulnerable communities. The initiative proposes modular micro-units designed to fulfill essential living and working requirements. Emphasizing adaptability and sustainability, the project aims to create environments that foster residential comfort alongside entrepreneurial activities.

### Adaptive Spatial Strategy
The design utilizes a concept rooted in "Acupuncture Urbanism," which advocates for strategic, small-scale urban interventions to drive improvement within underserved areas. By integrating living spaces with commercial functionalities, the project supports social and economic integration. Each micro-unit is versatile, adaptable for various uses—be it residential quarters, offices, or small shops—ensuring alignment with the changing needs of occupants. The layout promotes communal interactions through shared green spaces and pedestrian pathways, thereby strengthening neighborhood connections.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is integral to the project’s functionality and ecological footprint. Key materials include a metal structural framework for durability, drywall panels for flexible interior configurations, and aluminum panels for exterior durability. The design incorporates energy-efficient elements such as photovoltaic solar panels and insulated steel decking, which enhance both structural integrity and energy sustainability. Flooring systems are designed to withstand high traffic, utilizing durable materials appropriate for residential and commercial needs.

The project aims not only to improve housing conditions for those engaged in informal employment but also to empower residents through formalized living and working spaces, ultimately fostering community resilience and economic stability.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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