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Reflective Pond and Clay Brick Facade Defining Modern Residential Living

Reflective Pond and Clay Brick Facade Defining Modern Residential Living
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A reflective pond surrounded by a facade of clay brick provides a serene backdrop for a residential living space designed to embrace both community interaction and individual adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pond enhances microclimate and provides aesthetic value.
02
Clay brick facade integrates regional materials and traditional craftsmanship.
03
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse living arrangements.
04
Strategically positioned landscaping promotes biodiversity and privacy.
05
Natural ventilation minimizes reliance on mechanical systems.

### Project Overview
Located in a dynamic urban environment, the design integrates contemporary architectural principles with a focus on functionality and sustainability. The intent is to forge a connection between the built structure and its natural surroundings while accommodating the diverse needs of its residents. This approach emphasizes an open layout and fluid movement throughout the space, creating a harmonious interplay between indoor and outdoor areas.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural layout centers around a prominent courtyard, which serves as a communal hub for residents. Surrounding this courtyard are distinct residential and service blocks that enhance the functionality of the project.

1. **Central Courtyard**: This feature includes a reflective pond, designed to enrich the microclimate and provide a restful environment. The surrounding landscape incorporates carefully chosen vegetation, contributing both aesthetic value and ecological benefits.

2. **Residential Block**: The living spaces prioritize flexibility, allowing for diverse configurations that accommodate both communal interaction and private moments.

3. **Service Block**: Conceived to support the residential needs discreetly, this block is strategically positioned to ensure operational efficiency without intruding on the living experience.

### Materials and Sustainability
The project utilizes a carefully curated selection of materials that prioritize sustainability while respecting local context.

- **Clay Brick**: Chosen for its thermal properties and textured aesthetic, it links the contemporary design to regional architectural practices.
- **Glass**: Used extensively in windows and interior partitions, it maximizes natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors.
- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity and serves as a durable foundation for the overall framework.
- **Wood**: Incorporated into design details, it adds warmth and creates a tactile contrast to more rigid materials, particularly in outdoor areas.

Incorporating vegetation around the structure also plays a vital role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting sustainable practices, demonstrating a commitment to ecological considerations. The design promotes natural ventilation and daylight access, contributing to the overall efficiency of the living spaces while minimizing energy consumption.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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