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Natural Ventilation and Climate Adaptation in a Home of Clay Bricks and Glass Panels

Natural Ventilation and Climate Adaptation in a Home of Clay Bricks and Glass Panels
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Combining clay bricks and expansive glass panels, the design enhances natural ventilation while integrating a central courtyard, serving as a contemporary family residence that balances private and public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a central atrium that enhances air circulation throughout the home.
02
Integrates local flora into landscaping to minimize maintenance and promote biodiversity.
03
Utilizes high-performance energy-efficient glass to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
04
Features distinct separation of functional zones for privacy and communal living within the layout.
05
Incorporates shading elements in the roof design to control heat gain effectively.

### Project Overview
The House of Ray is designed to respond to the needs of contemporary residential living, situated within a dynamic geographical context that emphasizes climate sensitivity. The intent of this project is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to both social interaction and private retreat, reflecting modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The architectural layout distinctly separates public and private zones, enhancing user experience through intentional design. An internal courtyard serves as a focal point, allowing natural light to permeate the living areas while promoting air circulation. The design facilitates easy navigation between spaces, ensuring coherent traffic flow that adapts to the varied activities of its residents throughout the day. Integration of an elevator further supports accessibility across multiple levels, enhancing mobility within the home.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The exterior features a dual-material façade comprised of textured clay bricks and smooth concrete, which collectively provide durability and visual appeal. Expansive glass panels create connections to the outdoor environment, maximizing natural light. The roofing design includes shading elements that contribute to thermal efficiency while also serving a visual function. Landscape design incorporates local flora, promoting biodiversity and strengthening the relationship between the residence and its surroundings. Sustainability is emphasized through the use of energy-efficient materials and passive solar design principles that address both environmental impact and long-term living comfort.

The layout accommodates various functions across multiple levels, from an open-plan ground floor for social activities to private quarters on the upper levels, ensuring a comprehensive approach to modern living while anticipating future residential trends.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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