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Modular Spaces with Transparent Facades and Vertical Gardens for Integrated Living and Work Environments

Modular Spaces with Transparent Facades and Vertical Gardens for Integrated Living and Work Environments
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With a focus on modular design and expansive glass facades integrated with vertical gardens, the project creates flexible environments that seamlessly combine living and working spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic texture.
03
Features expansive glass facades that facilitate natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.
04
Integrates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and enhance residents' well-being.
05
Employs a modular design allowing for seamless transitions between living and workspace.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "Transformation" project is designed to address the evolving needs of modern urban living. The initiative responds to the increasing convergence of work and home spaces, particularly in light of the rise in remote working arrangements. This design aims to create flexible environments that can efficiently adapt their functions from professional workspaces by day to family-centric living areas by night.

## Spatial Versatility and Functional Adaptability

The project employs a modular design approach that enhances space utilization and allows for dynamic transitions throughout the day. Key design features include a series of stacked volumes that can be adjusted based on user preferences, facilitating both privacy and collaboration. Dedicated home office zones are arranged to promote focus and productivity, while community-oriented living spaces encourage family interaction, thereby supporting a balanced lifestyle.

The integration of expansive glass facades maximizes natural lighting and connectivity with the outdoor environment, fostering an open atmosphere. The building's interior is characterized by a thoughtful lighting strategy that enhances daytime productivity and creates calming spaces for relaxation during the evening.

## Sustainable Practices and Material Selection

The project emphasizes sustainability through the selection of eco-friendly materials, aligning with Dubai's sustainable development goals. Concrete is used for the structural framework, providing durability, while steel supports the modular aspects of the design. Glass facades are incorporated not only for aesthetic purposes but also to optimize energy efficiency by enhancing natural light.

The landscape design incorporates pocket gardens and vertical green spaces, contributing to residents' well-being and creating a harmonious relationship with nature. This focus on environmental integration further enhances the quality of life within the development, providing residents with tranquil outdoor experiences that complement the indoor living environment.

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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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