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Natural Walnut and Polished Porcelain Unite in a Modern Family Residence with Sustainable Features

Natural Walnut and Polished Porcelain Unite in a Modern Family Residence with Sustainable Features
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Natural walnut cabinetry and polished porcelain tile create a cohesive aesthetic in a family residence designed for sustainability and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural walnut cabinetry custom-designed for optimal storage solutions.
02
Open-plan living area seamlessly transitions to a landscaped outdoor pool.
03
Photovoltaic solar system integrated into the architecture for energy efficiency.
04
Large glass panels strategically positioned for natural light and ventilation.
05
Overhanging roof design provides shade and reduces heat gain.

## Project Overview

Located within a family-friendly neighborhood, this modern residence spans 341 square meters (approximately 30m x 15m) and is designed to accommodate an active family lifestyle. The layout prioritizes a balance between private and communal spaces, allowing for both social interaction and individual retreat. Key design intents include enhancing durability, achieving aesthetic appeal, and fostering connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments.

## Spatial Organization

### Ground Floor

The ground level encompasses 170 square meters, featuring a guest suite, a spacious family living and dining area interconnected with the kitchen, and service areas such as the laundry and maid's quarters. Additional outdoor amenities include a private pool and a seating area that extends the living space into the garden, facilitating leisure activities and family gatherings.

### First Floor

Covering 171 square meters, the first floor consists of four master bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, and a central family living room that connects to a balcony overlooking the backyard. This design promotes both private reflection and family engagement, optimizing the use of space while ensuring visual and physical connectivity to nature.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Utilizing a range of durable and aesthetically pleasing materials, the residence includes polished porcelain tiles for flooring, natural walnut cabinetry for warmth and contemporary styling, and white and black marble to enhance visual richness. Large glass panels integrated throughout the design facilitate natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Incorporating sustainable features, the project includes a rooftop solar power system that supplies approximately 36% of the property's annual electricity needs and a design that promotes natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Climate-responsive strategies, such as the use of shading elements and strategically placed openings, effectively manage heat and optimize daylight throughout the interior.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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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