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Pegboard Panels and Glulam Beams Create Flexible Living Along the River

Authors:
Deborah Urban, Nathan Roukous
Pegboard Panels and Glulam Beams Create Flexible Living Along the River
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The use of movable pegboard panels and glulam beams enables flexible adaptation for a modular living space along the banks of the Buffalo River, fostering creativity and engagement with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible wall panels allow for customizable interior configurations.
02
Glulam beams provide structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
Clerestory windows enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Pegboard walls support creative organization for various activities.
05
The modular design promotes adaptation to seasonal lifestyle changes.

The Buffalo River Residency is a modular living space located along the banks of the Buffalo River in New York. The design focuses on blending with nature while providing a functional home. It uses a combination of prefabricated components and distinct paneling to create an environment that supports creativity and flexibility in daily living.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the Buffalo River Residency is to create a flexible home that can grow with its occupants. The interior features pegboard wall panels that residents can customize. This choice allows for personal expression and adapts to various activities, making the space more engaging and suitable for different needs.

Transformable Spaces

The design incorporates wall partitions that can move along a track system, enabling changes in the layout of the interior. This aspect enhances the usability of the home by allowing quick reconfiguration of spaces. The ability to adapt rooms for different purposes means that the residence can support a range of lifestyles, both now and in the future.

Material Selection

Material choices play a crucial role in the overall design, contributing to both strength and appearance. The project includes 4x8 pegboard panels, stud wall assemblies with insulation, glulam beams, wooden flooring, wooden decking, foundation piles, and rockwool insulation. Each material is selected for its practical benefits and suitability to the environment, demonstrating an awareness of sustainability.

Natural Integration

Natural light enters the home through clerestory windows, creating a connection between indoors and the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful placement helps to brighten the interior while maintaining a sense of privacy. The design fosters a calm atmosphere, supporting creative activities and allowing residents to feel at one with nature. The residence illustrates a modern take on living that respects its location while prioritizing the needs of its users.

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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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