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Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living

Recycled Plastics and Adobe Solutions for Sustainable Desert Community Living
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Utilizing recycled plastics and adobe, the design creates a sustainable living environment that effectively addresses the challenges of desert habitation while fostering community interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adobe construction to enhance thermal mass, optimizing energy efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Incorporates recycled ocean plastics for structural elements, emphasizing sustainability in material selection.
03
Features semi-open community spaces that promote social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
04
Integrates water features throughout the site, creating microclimates that aid in cooling the environment.
05
Design allows for flexible layouts to adapt to changing community needs over time.

### Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the design project emphasizes a thoughtful integration of traditional and modern architectural principles while addressing the challenges of arid climates. The project prioritizes sustainability, utilizing adobe and recycled ocean plastics to embody a commitment to environmental responsibility. The overall intent is to create a cohesive living space that acknowledges the extremes of the desert while fostering a sense of community among its residents.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout employs a grid-like configuration that promotes connectivity and organization within the community. Each residential unit is designed with semi-open spaces that effectively balance privacy with opportunities for social interaction. Key features include patios equipped with water fountains that provide aesthetic value and cooling microclimates, as well as flexible indoor-outdoor spaces that streamline the transition between living areas and gardens. Centralized water features enhance tranquility and serve as focal points, while the integration of lush vegetation contrasts with the surrounding landscape and contributes to improved air quality.

### Material Selection and Structural Integrity

The project showcases a diverse palette of materials that enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects. Adobe is utilized for its thermal mass and stability, while recycled ocean plastics are incorporated to underscore sustainability. Extensive glass window areas facilitate natural light penetration, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Structural integrity is ensured through the implementation of steel in column and beam configurations, complemented by warm wood elements used in doors and furniture to foster a tactile and inviting atmosphere. Concrete serves as a durable and maintenance-friendly flooring option.

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

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