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Natural Light and Modular Spaces Enhanced by Clay Plates and Wood Bracing

Authors:
Andreea - Cristina Huiu, Diana Listeveanu, Raluca - Elena Zahariea, Roxana-maria Zahariea
Natural Light and Modular Spaces Enhanced by Clay Plates and Wood Bracing
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Incorporating wood bracing and clay plates, the design enhances natural light flow and adaptability, creating a sustainable living space rooted in traditional practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates clay plates for moisture management and interior finish.
02
Utilizes wood studs with diagonal bracing for structural stability.
03
Features large glass openings to enhance natural light and connectivity with the outdoors.
04
Designed with modular components allowing for flexible configurations.
05
Reflects traditional Romanian architectural principles in a modern context.

The design presents a modern dwelling that reflects the necessary balance of home as a personal refuge. It responds to current lifestyle challenges, especially the feelings of isolation raised by recent events. The overall concept emphasizes both functionality and a welcoming environment. The aim is to create a space that prioritizes physical comfort and emotional well-being.

Modular Configuration

The structure employs a modular system made up of three different types of modules. The square module allows for flexible arrangements, capable of changing direction and configuration. This adaptability is key as it helps orient the house to maximize light and energy use, aligning spaces with the natural qualities of the site.

Functional Spaces

Another module serves as the main living area, providing a practical and logical arrangement of rooms. Attention to how spaces connect helps fulfill daily needs while maintaining a sense of order. This design not only meets functional requirements but also contributes to a harmonious atmosphere throughout the home.

Integration of Nature

An exterior module is intentionally positioned at both ends of the structure, inviting ample natural light and energy into the living spaces. It plays an important role in creating an uplifting ambiance. The design features a single slope roof, which aids in managing rainwater efficiently. It also allows for future integration of solar energy systems, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Design Principles

Inspired by traditional Romanian architecture, the design makes use of local materials and methods to promote sustainability. The walls are constructed with wood studs reinforced by diagonal bracing, enhancing the building's stability. Inside, modern clay plates are used for finishing that not only helps manage moisture but also reflects historical building practices. This choice of materials helps ground the design in the local context while addressing contemporary sustainability needs.

Large glass openings throughout the home foster visual engagement with the natural surroundings, allowing the outdoor landscape to become a part of everyday life, while creating a fluid interaction between indoor and outdoor environments.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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