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Perforated Brick Walls and Reused Terracotta Tiles Defining Sustainable Compact Living Spaces

Perforated Brick Walls and Reused Terracotta Tiles Defining Sustainable Compact Living Spaces
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Utilizing perforated brick walls and reused terracotta tiles, this microhome typology redefines compact living through sustainable materials and efficient design, fostering community engagement within a limited footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local yellow Danish bricks for enhanced durability and cost-effectiveness.
02
Incorporates reused terracotta roof tiles to promote sustainability and minimize waste.
03
Features perforated brick walls that allow natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Designed with efficient internal layers to optimize functionality within a compact footprint.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to reduce reliance on municipal water sources.

## Project Overview

The Anti-Sprawler microhome typology is located in the suburban regions of Denmark, aiming to address the challenges of low-density housing and its associated environmental impacts. The project's primary intent is to establish a compact residential community that emphasizes social interaction, efficient land use, and sustainable living practices. By designing a network of small, environmentally-conscious units, the project seeks to counter the isolation and resource inefficiencies characteristic of traditional single-family homes.

## Spatial Organization

The design of the microhome cluster features a carefully structured three-tiered spatial arrangement. The ground floor (5.8 sqm) prioritizes private spaces, including a bathroom and kitchen, fostering a sense of intimacy. Above, the first floor (10.4 sqm) serves as a communal area with an open-plan layout that encourages social interaction and flexibility. The second floor (8.8 sqm) offers a personal reflective space, enhanced by natural light and views, reinforcing the connection to the environment.

## Material Selections and Sustainability Features

Material choices for the Anti-Sprawler project reflect both functional and ecological considerations. Yellow Danish bricks, well-regarded for their cost-effectiveness and durability, serve as the primary building material, while reused terracotta roof tiles minimize waste and cost. The interior is finished with specific types of wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Perforated brick walls allow light to enter and promote visual connections between homes.

Sustainability is further integrated through features such as rainwater harvesting systems, which collect runoff for reuse, and solar water heating installations, supporting energy efficiency. External staircases facilitate vertical mobility, enabling efficient circulation and promoting active living. This multifaceted approach aligns with Denmark’s environmental objectives and fosters community engagement through shared outdoor spaces and greenery.

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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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