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Modular Living Spaces in Steel and Rockwool for Flexible Urban Families

Modular Living Spaces in Steel and Rockwool for Flexible Urban Families
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Utilizing a modular framework of cold-formed steel and Rockwool insulation, this design offers adaptable living spaces tailored for urban families seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency in their homes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design that allows for easy expansion without significant construction disruption.
02
Incorporates cold-formed steel as the primary structural material for enhanced durability.
03
Employs Rockwool insulation, promoting energy efficiency and sound attenuation.
04
Features a strategically oriented layout to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
05
Designed with pre-fabricated components, reducing onsite construction time and labor costs.

## Analytical Report on the B2A “Build to Add On” Architectural Design Project

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the B2A "Build to Add On" project is a contemporary residential design focused on flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving family needs while being mindful of budget constraints. The intent of this project is to facilitate long-term affordability through a modular construction approach that allows for incremental growth without significant upfront investment.

### Spatial Configuration and Modularity
The architectural design incorporates six hexagonal modules, providing a foundational layout composed of essential communal and private spaces. This modular framework is engineered to support future expansions, enabling families to adapt their living space as their requirements change. The orientation of the structure maximizes natural light and strategically addresses privacy concerns, optimizing both functionality and comfort.

The implementation of Volumetric Modular construction allows for approximately 95% of the building components to be prefabricated, thereby enhancing construction efficiency and performance. This approach enables families to expand both horizontally and vertically, with provisions for built-in versatility in foundational systems and vertical circulation.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A diverse palette of materials has been chosen to ensure structural resilience and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include:

- **Structural elements:** Cold-formed steel
- **Floor slab:** Lightweight screed
- **Tiling:** Thin ceramic and porcelain (3-6 mm)
- **External walls:** EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) with Rockwool insulation
- **Internal walls:** GWB (Gypsum Wall Board) with plaster and silk paint finish
- **Floor finishes:** 1200 x 600 mm porcelain tiles
- **Ceiling:** GWB with a 3000 mm clear height
- **Window systems:** Ultra-slim aluminum profiles with energy-efficient glazing (u-value 1.4 W/m²K)

These material choices not only enhance the project's modern aesthetic but also contribute to its sustainability by ensuring high performance while minimizing environmental impact.

### Contextual Integration and Future-Readiness
The site measures 15 meters in width and 30 meters in length, with road access that facilitates convenient vehicular movement. The longitudinal orientation of the residence enhances connectivity with the outdoor environment while adhering to local zoning regulations regarding setbacks and open spaces.

Designed for future growth, the structure incorporates flexible architectural features, such as easily removable modules. The design considers future expansions while maintaining the integrity of the existing layout, exemplified by the strategic planning for areas like the carport canopy, which can be modified to accommodate additional living spaces without compromising the overall performance of the building.

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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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