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Repurposed Building with Open Courtyard and Uncovered Patio

Authors:
Alessandra Zaharia, Anamaria Mustata
Repurposed Building with Open Courtyard and Uncovered Patio
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An uncovered patio and a repurposed building create a focal point for communal interaction in a residential complex designed to enhance privacy and connectivity among its guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central portico connects the main structures, enhancing community interaction.
02
The design incorporates a repurposed building dedicated to wine tasting.
03
An interior courtyard maximizes natural light and airflow throughout the complex.
04
Guest houses feature unique configurations that balance privacy and accessibility.
05
Landscaping integrates pathways that link all structures while maintaining personal space.

The design features a main house and multiple guest houses, set in a carefully chosen environment that supports both privacy and community living. The overall concept is to create a strong relationship between the buildings and their natural surroundings. Each structure is arranged thoughtfully to promote interaction while still allowing for individual space. The result is a residential area that focuses on comfort and connection with the landscape.

Main House Design

The main house presents an inviting street facade that blends a modern look with a sense of warmth. This welcoming entrance allows residents and visitors to move smoothly from outdoor spaces to the home's interior. The layout is designed for practical living, with functional areas that connect easily to one another. Each space is planned to encourage natural movement, making everyday activities more enjoyable.

Site Planning

A detailed site plan lays out the placement of the main house and guest houses, ensuring they are easily accessible while maintaining privacy. The site plan, which is drawn at a scale of 1:500, shows paths and landscaping that connect each building, creating a flow throughout the property. Sections of the main house, at a scale of 1:100, illustrate the relationship between different levels and spaces, important for understanding the design's functionality.

Guest House Configuration

The guest houses are designed with attention to comfort and individual character. Each house is portrayed in plans and sections, also at a scale of 1:100. These designs aim to create personal spaces that encourage relaxation while also contributing to the community feel of the overall complex. Residents can find solitude when needed, as well as opportunities for socializing, allowing for a well-rounded living experience.

Landscape and Outdoor Spaces

One notable feature is the portico that leads to a patio, meant to serve as a central gathering place for residents. This outdoor area extends the livable space outside the main structures, encouraging interaction and enjoyment of the natural setting. The interior courtyard is another integral part of the design, letting in light and air that connects indoor and outdoor environments.

The focus on light and flow enhances the overall experience of living in this design. Moments of sunlight filtering through open spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, accentuating the beauty of both the architecture and its surroundings.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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