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Recycled Plexiglass and Scalite Facades Enhancing Urban Living

Authors:
Matija Dedovic, Milorad Vidojevic
Recycled Plexiglass and Scalite Facades Enhancing Urban Living
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Utilizing recycled Plexiglass and SCALITE for its facade, this urban residence integrates advanced environmental systems while promoting an open-plan living experience that fosters a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled Plexiglass creates a lightweight, transparent facade.
02
SCALITE made from fish shell enhances interior acoustics.
03
Rotating base design allows fluid spatial interaction.
04
Rainwater collection system supports urban agriculture.
05
Open-plan layout maximizes natural light and outdoor views.

The project presents a thoughtful relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Set in an urban environment, the design emphasizes practicality while integrating nature into daily life. The concept focuses on dissolving the boundaries that usually separate living areas, creating a connected atmosphere that enhances both the visual appeal and functional experience.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The design revolves around merging the indoors with the outdoors. By removing traditional barriers, it promotes an open-plan layout that invites natural light to flow freely. The kitchen, dining area, and living room are linked, which encourages movement and interaction among different spaces. This thoughtful arrangement enriches the living experience by making it feel more expansive.

Innovative Material Use

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, evident in the selection of materials. Plexiglass® Greencast® GS is used for membrane construction. This recycled material allows light to enter while ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, SCALITE®, made from fish shell, serves multiple purposes indoors, showcasing an eco-friendly approach. The facade makes use of seaweed-prefabricated straw panels, further highlighting the commitment to environmental responsibility.

Response to Environmental Context

The architecture interacts meaningfully with its surroundings. It includes systems for rainwater collection and wastewater processing, which help lessen the environmental impact. These features not only contribute to sustainability but also support urban farming by turning waste into usable fertilizer. Such elements encourage a relationship between residents and their environment, enhancing the home’s functional benefits.

Technological Integration

Advanced technologies are integrated into the design to improve comfort and adaptability. Digital screens and interactive wall systems respond to changing conditions, reflecting a modern approach to living. These features help meet contemporary needs while maintaining a link to nature.

One notable design detail is the rotating base, which allows different spaces to engage with one another more fully. As individuals move through the home, they are reminded of the balance between their indoor environment and the surrounding world.

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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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