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Personal Sanctuaries Within Eco-Friendly Shared Spaces

Authors:
Ivan Yankovoy, Juliya Goloborodko
Personal Sanctuaries Within Eco-Friendly Shared Spaces
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With eco-friendly shared spaces that prioritize personal sanctuaries, the design reinterprets childhood concepts of refuge through smart technology and sustainable practices, creating a modern living environment for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Personal sanctuaries are integrated within shared communal spaces to enhance social interaction.
02
The design utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinctive aesthetic while enhancing durability.
04
A bent A-frame structure maximizes interior volume while maintaining a compact footprint.
05
Smart technology features are embedded to improve daily living experiences without disrupting the design.

The design explores the idea of personal space and how it changes throughout life. It takes inspiration from childhood environments—like small shacks or makeshift tents—and adapts these concepts into modern living situations. The goal is to create spaces that allow for individual comfort while promoting interaction among residents. This balance is especially relevant in urban settings, where the need for private areas and community engagement is greater than ever.

Conceptual Framework

The layout emphasizes a thoughtful blend of private and communal spaces. It recognizes that while people need solitude, they also benefit from social connections. By providing clear transitions between these areas, the design meets the need for various living experiences. This flexibility is crucial in encouraging interaction among people while still offering them places to retreat.

Sustainability Considerations

Environmental responsibility is a key aspect of the design. The integration of concepts like “Solar,” “Recycle,” “Ecology,” “Safe,” and “All Sharing” highlights a dedication to sustainable living. The focus is on resource-sharing among residents, enhancing community ties while considering the ecological impact. This approach aims to create homes that are both practical and mindful of the environment.

Technology Integration

Modern technology plays an important role in the design. Smart home features are included to improve daily living, making life easier for residents. These technologies provide comfort and convenience, reflecting current lifestyle demands without interfering with the design's overall vision. The result is a living environment that adapts to the needs of both individuals and the community.

The final design achieves a thoughtful balance between interaction and individual spaces, allowing for moments of privacy amid a lively community. This reflects both a fondness for the past and a view toward future living arrangements.

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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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