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Modular Living Spaces with Integrated Greenery and Customizable Pod Configurations

Authors:
Felipe Ayala, Felipe Ayala, Alex Sarmiento, Claire Nguyen, Sebastian Quiñones
Modular Living Spaces with Integrated Greenery and Customizable Pod Configurations
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With a focus on modular living, the design integrates customizable Pods within a Lattice framework that fosters green spaces, ultimately creating an adaptable environment for family residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pods can be configured in various arrangements to adapt to different site conditions.
02
The design incorporates a Lattice framework for efficient spatial organization.
03
Sustainable practices allow for easy integration of green spaces throughout the layout.
04
Flexible Starter Tree design accommodates changing family dynamics over time.
05
Branches facilitate connection between Pods, enhancing communal outdoor areas.

The design emphasizes a modular approach to living in urban spaces, focusing on community interaction and the growing challenges of high-density environments. Located in a contemporary urban setting, it integrates three main components: Pods, Trunks, and Branches. The concept aims to create adaptable living spaces that enhance sustainability and promote relationships among residents.

Pods
Pods are versatile units in the design, allowing for various configurations such as stacking or rotating. This flexibility makes it easy to adjust the arrangement according to specific site conditions. By encouraging connections between indoor and outdoor areas, Pods help to create a lively atmosphere. The inclusion of voids not only improves airflow but also lets in natural light, ensuring that the interiors remain spacious and welcoming. With open ground spaces and high ceilings, the design fosters a pleasant interaction with the surrounding environment.

Trunks
Trunks serve as central access points for residents and necessary utility services. Their design efficiently maximizes usable space while reducing the costs associated with infrastructure. By acting as pathways for movement and access to essential services, Trunks enhance the overall functionality of the residence. This focus on practical use enables inhabitants to navigate their living environment comfortably.

Branches
Branches connect the Pods, enhancing the project's ecological features. They introduce green spaces that promote outdoor experiences and encourage community engagement. The more Branches included, the greater the potential for creating accessible gardens and parks. By making green areas a priority, the design addresses the issue of urban sprawl while fostering a relationship between people and nature, ultimately enriching the sense of community.

Lattice Framework
The design is supported by a Lattice framework that acts as a guiding structure, influencing the spatial organization and scaling of the entire concept. This grid defines how Pods, Trunks, and Branches are arranged, allowing for adaptability to different land shapes and community needs. The framework facilitates future modifications, ensuring that the living spaces can grow and change alongside the families who use them.

The Starter Tree configuration demonstrates the design’s emphasis on flexibility. It features one Trunk and six Pods, allowing residents to personalize their living arrangements. As the needs of families change, new Pods can be added or existing ones adjusted. This approach creates an evolving space that encourages growth and interaction, supporting a vibrant community atmosphere.

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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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