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Rammed Earth and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Community Living Solutions

Rammed Earth and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Community Living Solutions
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Employing rammed earth and green concrete, this design integrates flexible living units within a communal framework, facilitating sustainable residential living in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide superior thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Modular design allows for adaptable living spaces tailored to resident needs.
03
A community garden integrates biodiversity into the urban setting.
04
Natural stone elements enhance durability and reduce maintenance requirements.
05
Solar chimneys facilitate passive ventilation, improving indoor air quality.

### Overview

The Future Earth House is located in an urban setting, designed with a focus on sustainability and efficient use of space. It aims to address environmental challenges by minimizing the use of non-sustainable materials while providing a flexible living environment for future residents. The project emphasizes self-organization and simplicity, moving away from ornate decorative elements to create a space that harmonizes with its surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design features an open-plan layout that promotes connectivity and facilitates natural airflow and light. The ground floor includes shared communal areas such as gardens and pools, enhancing social interaction among residents. Modular configurations allow for adaptability, catering to individual preferences while maintaining a sense of community. The arrangement of units not only ensures privacy but also encourages accessibility to communal amenities, balancing personal space with shared experiences.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

A careful selection of materials underpins the design's commitment to sustainability. Rammed earth serves as the primary building material, leveraging its thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. Porous green concrete enhances drainage and reduces environmental impact, while local natural stone adds durability and aesthetic value. Glass is strategically incorporated for natural lighting and passive solar heating, while sustainably sourced wood contributes warmth and texture to the interiors. These material choices reflect a broader intention to minimize ecological footprints, aligning with the project's ecological goals.

### Passive Design Strategies

In response to the subtropical climate, the Future Earth House employs passive design strategies to optimize energy efficiency. Strategic orientation and shading devices mitigate direct sunlight exposure, thereby reducing cooling needs. High ceilings and operable windows facilitate natural ventilation, promoting thermal comfort. Innovations such as solar chimneys enhance air exchange, contributing to overall climate control within the structure. The integration of these elements illustrates a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility in urban housing design.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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