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Modular Living Units Featuring Low-Emissivity Glass and Sustainable Wood Elements

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Modular Living Units Featuring Low-Emissivity Glass and Sustainable Wood Elements
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Incorporating modular living units with low-emissivity glass and sustainable wood elements, this design addresses urban mobility by offering adaptable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy reconfiguration and personalization of living spaces.
02
Low-emissivity glass enhances energy efficiency while maintaining natural light flow.
03
Sustainable wood elements contribute to environmental responsibility without sacrificing aesthetics.
04
Plug-in systems facilitate quick adaptations and expansion of living units.
05
A bent A-frame structure improves structural integrity and interior space usability.

### Overview
The "Life Bag" project presents a contemporary residential model designed to address challenges associated with urban living, specifically in densely populated cities. This project emphasizes portability and adaptability, creating a dwelling concept that reflects the evolving nature of home in response to urban densification and limited living spaces. By incorporating modularity and flexibility, the design enables residents to enhance their living experience while accommodating their dynamic lifestyles.

### Spatial Modularity and User-Centric Design
At the core of the "Life Bag" design is the principle of modularity, which allows individual units to operate independently while still being interconnected. This arrangement supports a living environment that can be easily transported, reconfigured, and personalized according to individual needs. Features such as detachable walls, plug-in systems, and smart technologies facilitate a customized layout, enhancing both functionality and user experience. The inclusion of modular furniture configurations emphasizes practicality while maintaining aesthetic coherence.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a diverse range of materials that prioritize durability and sustainability. The structural framework consists of pre-fabricated steel or aluminum, known for their lightweight characteristics, which is complemented by a facade of low-emissivity glass that optimizes natural light and energy efficiency. Interior spaces are enriched with sustainable wood veneers and high-performance composite materials, which provide comfort and resilience against frequent changes in usage. Additionally, energy-efficient insulation and emergency systems contribute to the overall safety and sustainability of the design, reinforcing its suitability for contemporary urban environments.

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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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