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Photovoltaic Wings and Sandwich Panels Fuel Flexible Community Resilience
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Incorporating photovoltaic wings and modular sandwich panels, the design emphasizes energy efficiency and rapid adaptability, serving as a multifunctional community hub in a post-conflict environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design for quick assembly and reconfiguration in response to community needs.
02
Incorporates dual-function photovoltaic wings to optimize energy capture from both solar and wind sources.
03
Features an active façade system that enhances thermal regulation and security for occupants.
04
Employs recycled sandwich panels for insulation, promoting sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Designed to serve as a multifunctional space, integrating retail, childcare, and community services within a single structure.

### Project Overview

The architectural design centers on a series of structures aimed at meeting the socio-economic needs of communities in regions recovering from conflict, such as parts of Ukraine. The initiative emphasizes sustainability, modular construction, and community integration while prioritizing functionality, resilience, and resource accessibility.

### Modular Construction Strategy

The project employs a **Re-Erect System** designed for rapid assembly and disassembly of building elements, enhancing the efficiency of construction processes in war-affected areas. Utilizing pre-fabricated components, the system minimizes waste, supports quick installation with minimal labor, and incorporates recycled sandwich panels for improved thermal performance. The **Retrofit System** allows for flexible upgrades to existing buildings, facilitating adaptations to modern technologies and changing needs. Both systems utilize robust materials such as stainless steel connecters to ensure durability and longevity of the structures.

### Community-Centric Design

The buildings serve as multifunctional hubs, combining retail, childcare, and community services to promote social interaction. The layout emphasizes accessibility and encourages engagement among residents, reflecting the importance of public spaces in post-crisis recovery. Designed with a circular form, the architecture fosters connectivity while the emergency shelter capabilities enhance utility. New residential buildings incorporate principles of green architecture, harnessing natural energy and ensuring the safety and comfort of residents through efficient design methods and prefabricated elements.

### Sustainable Materiality and Technology Integration

The project integrates renewable energy systems, including dual-purpose photovoltaic wings that optimize energy generation through wind and solar capture. Active façades provide both thermal regulation and security features, adapting to temperature fluctuations by covering windows for energy savings. The use of flattened and recycled steel, recycled sandwich panels for insulation, and other durable materials highlights the focus on ecological responsibility and sustainable construction practices. Overall, these design principles present a holistic approach to creating resilient, functional, and aesthetically cohesive living spaces for communities.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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