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Red-Finished Staircase in a Double-Height Space Using Recycled Aluminum and Textured Concrete

Red-Finished Staircase in a Double-Height Space Using Recycled Aluminum and Textured Concrete
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A bold red-finished staircase connects airy double-height spaces, while the use of recycled aluminum and textured concrete enhances sustainability, creating a modern residence that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bold red staircase serves as a central visual and functional element connecting living spaces.
02
Recycled aluminum is incorporated into structural components, emphasizing sustainability.
03
Textured concrete finishes provide tactile variety and aesthetic contrast throughout the interior.
04
Double-height ceilings enhance the sense of openness while allowing natural light penetration.
05
Strategic zoning delineates public and private areas, promoting both interaction and privacy.

### Overview

"The Red String" is located in an urban setting, designed to embody the principles of connection derived from Chinese mythology. The project aims to integrate functionality and artistic expression within a minimalist framework. By emphasizing spatial connectivity and emotional resonance, it creates a living environment conducive to interaction and community engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Interactivity

The design features a dual-level, double-height apartment that distinctly separates public and private areas through a clear zoning strategy. Public spaces, such as dining and social areas, are configured to facilitate gatherings, promoting communal activities. In contrast, private zones, including bedrooms and family rooms, are designed to foster intimacy and comfort. The arrangement supports a fluid movement throughout the spaces, highlighted by red lines that trace the paths connecting different rooms.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A deliberate choice of materials enhances both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the project. Wood is incorporated for its warmth and acoustic properties, while recycled aluminum reflects a commitment to sustainability. Steel and glass are utilized in structural elements to provide durability and a modern aesthetic. Textured concrete adds a sensory dimension, contrasting with smoother finishes that align with minimalist design principles. This combination of materials ensures that the project meets both visual and practical needs, optimizing durability and ease of maintenance.

The signature staircase connecting public and private areas serves as both a functional and symbolic element, painted in a distinctive red that represents warmth and connectivity. Additionally, strategically placed windows and glass features enhance the flow of natural light, creating a dynamic interplay of illumination within the living spaces.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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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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