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Reimagining Privacy with Recycled Lattice Screens in Contemporary Urban Living

Reimagining Privacy with Recycled Lattice Screens in Contemporary Urban Living
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Utilizing recycled lattice screens and polyhedral modularity, this design reinterprets traditional privacy elements to create adaptable urban housing solutions that promote community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled plastics for lattice screens, enhancing sustainability and visual appeal.
02
Incorporates a polyhedral modular design, allowing flexible adaptation of living spaces.
03
Employs natural ventilation strategies through strategically placed openings for energy efficiency.
04
Features water capture systems using fog nets to promote resource conservation.
05
Includes communal areas that foster social interaction while ensuring privacy for residents.

### Overview
The Mashrabiya Paradigm project is designed as a contemporary residential solution that synthesizes traditional Islamic architectural elements with modern sustainability practices. Located within a post-industrial context, the project aims to address the evolving requirements of families by emphasizing innovative housing that is both flexible and modular. The core concept involves a modern interpretation of the *mashrabiya*, traditionally a projecting balcony that enhances privacy while promoting natural ventilation and light.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptability
Central to the spatial approach is the polyhedral arrangement of modular units that can be adjusted according to the occupants' varying needs. This flexibility allows for diverse family configurations, addressing different living conditions and promoting an adaptable lifestyle. The ground floor is designed with communal spaces to encourage interaction among residents, while private areas are strategically positioned to maintain individual privacy without sacrificing accessibility. Additionally, the integration of courtyards and terraces fosters a connection with the outdoors, enhancing livability.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a diverse palette of materials that enhance both functional and aesthetic qualities. Primary materials include durable concrete for structural frameworks, glass for maximizing natural light, and recycled plastics for decorative lattice screens, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Gypsum board is used for interior finishes, while aluminum and wood are incorporated in window frames and cabinetry, respectively, to balance durability and warmth.

Sustainability is further emphasized through features such as natural ventilation, facilitated by strategically located openings, and water capture systems utilizing fog nets for enhanced water resource management. The incorporation of wind turbines within the architecture supports energy generation, contributing to a self-sufficient residential environment. The project's innovative blend of traditional design motifs with modern ecological considerations articulates a forward-thinking approach to housing in urban settings.

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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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