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Rammed Clay and Local Wood Unite in a Multifunctional Community Hub

Authors:
Merlin Augele, Valerian Althammer, Tim Cox
Rammed Clay and Local Wood Unite in a Multifunctional Community Hub
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Constructed from locally sourced rammed clay and wood, the community hub integrates multifunctional spaces that promote social interaction while maintaining a low environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced rammed clay to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features radially oriented glass facades that enhance natural light throughout the interior.
03
Includes versatile interspaces that accommodate a range of activities during warmer months.
04
Strategically located at the village center to promote community engagement and accessibility.
05
Designed with separate multifunctional areas to support diverse gatherings and events.

The Clay House is located in a village and serves as a community home, providing spaces for residents and visitors to gather and interact. The design focuses on creating a welcoming environment that encourages connection. With a central gathering area at its heart, the building includes additional rooms such as meeting spaces, a kitchen, a lavatory, and storage facilities. This thoughtful layout promotes a sense of togetherness while prioritizing practical use.

Spatial Organization
The layout of the building emphasizes usability and community engagement. The central room acts as the main meeting point, while separate areas offer flexibility for various activities. Natural light plays a key role in the design. Radial glass facades and skylights fill the interior spaces with warm daylight, enhancing the atmosphere and keeping the connection to the outside world strong.

Sustainable Design
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Clay House. The focus is on reducing the environmental impact through careful choices in materials and construction methods. The building’s walls, floors, and shingles are made from clay sourced locally. This approach not only lowers transportation emissions but also blends the structure with its natural setting, creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape.

Material Integration
The roof and facade utilize wood gathered from nearby areas, aligning with the goal of using local resources. This choice supports the building's durability and strengthens its bond with the region. Strip foundations made from clay bricks provide a stable base, further emphasizing the commitment to sustainability and local materials in the design.

Community Functionality
The Clay House is designed to function as a versatile space for various community activities. It can host social events, theater performances, and communal meals. Interspaces offer opportunities for more activities, especially during warmer months, making the facility adaptable to the needs of its users. Positioned centrally within the village, it enhances accessibility and promotes connections among different parts of the community.

The design of the Clay House highlights the significance of community interaction and environmental responsibility at every level. The spaces invite people in, encouraging them to share experiences and strengthen bonds within the village.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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