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Rammed Earth Structure with Rooftop Garden and Natural Ventilation Strategies

Rammed Earth Structure with Rooftop Garden and Natural Ventilation Strategies
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Constructed with rammed earth walls and complemented by a rooftop garden, the design prioritizes natural ventilation and community spaces within a sustainable residential framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Incorporates a rooftop garden designed for biodiversity and resident use.
03
Features wind catchers to optimize natural ventilation throughout the home.
04
Utilizes terracotta bricks for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Includes versatile spaces that promote community interaction and engagement.

### Overview and Intent

The House of the Future is located in an urban setting characterized by rapid development and increasing demand for sustainable living spaces. The intent is to redefine residential architecture by integrating innovative design principles that address contemporary challenges such as high housing costs and environmental impacts. By prioritizing community integration and resource efficiency, the design seeks to create a residential environment that supports both individual comfort and social interaction.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of the structure emphasizes a distinct separation of public and private areas while promoting multifunctionality. The basement accommodates a lobby, lounge, and utility spaces, including a water reservoir. The ground floor serves public and communal functions with a kitchen, dining area, and versatile spaces that facilitate fluid indoor-outdoor connections through expansive openings leading to courtyards. The first floor is dedicated to private living quarters, cleverly designed to offer privacy while maintaining links to shared areas. An expansive rooftop garden functions as a recreational space, contributing positively to the local microclimate.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Informed by ecological considerations, the materials used in the construction are both sustainable and visually appealing. Rammed earth walls enhance thermal efficiency and minimize reliance on artificial heating and cooling, while terracotta bricks provide structural integrity and aesthetic consistency. Wood adds warmth to interior spaces, establishing a natural connection with the surrounding environment. Additionally, extensive glass panels optimize natural light and foster visual continuity with outdoor areas. The incorporation of wind catchers and strategically placed courtyards enhances natural ventilation, while solar panels on the roof serve to harness renewable energy for household needs. The overall approach reflects a commitment to ecological responsibility and contemporary living standards.

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Enter an open architecture
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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.

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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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