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Natural Stone and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Family Living in an Adaptable Courtyard Home

Natural Stone and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Family Living in an Adaptable Courtyard Home
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Combining natural stone and green concrete with innovative wind towers, this residence features adaptable spaces and courtyards designed for sustainable family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor climate control.
02
Utilizes green concrete, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
03
Features distinctive courtyards that provide privacy while fostering family interaction.
04
Employs recycled materials sourced from the local area for construction.
05
Designed for future adaptability, allowing for easy modifications as family needs change.

## Overview

Located in a culturally rich context, the design integrates modern family living within an environmentally conscious framework while maintaining and respecting traditional values. The project focuses on sustainability, privacy, and functional adaptability to meet the evolving needs of contemporary families.

## Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The spatial arrangement of the house is meticulously planned to enhance both functionality and comfort. The ground floor serves as the main hub of family life, incorporating a dining room, kitchen, living area, and guest accommodations. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private quarters with multiple bedrooms, each featuring en-suite facilities to promote personal space. A basement area provides practical functions such as storage and laundry, while the strategic placement of a central courtyard fosters natural light distribution and communal interaction without compromising privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The design employs a carefully selected palette of materials that reflect both sustainable practices and modern aesthetics. Key materials include light plaster, cement screed, breeze blocks, green concrete, and natural stones, chosen for their thermal properties and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the project incorporates recycled materials sourced locally to further reduce environmental impact. Noteworthy sustainable elements include wind towers that enhance airflow and minimize reliance on mechanical cooling, double insulation for effective temperature regulation, and solar energy components that contribute to energy-efficient operations. This integration of sustainable features supports a low carbon footprint while aligning with the overall design ethos.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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