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Subterranean Dwelling with Thermal Mass Concrete and Biophilic Indoor Gardens

Subterranean Dwelling with Thermal Mass Concrete and Biophilic Indoor Gardens
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Constructed with thermal mass concrete and designed with indoor gardens, this subterranean dwelling redefines sustainable living by creating a comfortable environment that fosters community interaction in an arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with thermal mass concrete to enhance energy efficiency and regulate internal temperatures.
02
Integrates biophilic gardens throughout to improve air quality and promote well-being.
03
Features a central community patio that encourages social interaction among residents.
04
Utilizes adjustable natural light through strategically placed skylights and ventilation systems.
05
Incorporates provisions for future expansion, allowing for adaptive living spaces as needs change.

### Overview

The Oasis is designed as a subterranean dwelling that addresses the challenges of climate change in arid environments. Situated in a dry landscape, the project prioritizes comfort, communal living, and eco-friendliness, providing a refuge that integrates with its surroundings. The architecture emphasizes resilience and adaptation, reflecting a need for sustainable living solutions in increasingly harsh conditions.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout of The Oasis is centered around a communal patio, fostering interaction and accessibility while providing private areas for rest and reflection. The configuration includes interconnected bedrooms, a family area, an office, and service spaces, all organized to enhance the flow among them. This design approach cultivates a sense of community while allowing for personal privacy and comfort.

### Material Strategy and Sustainability

The material selection within The Oasis focuses on sustainability and aesthetic harmony. Reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity and provides thermal mass for regulating temperature. Incorporating both fixed and movable glass enhances natural light and visual connectivity, supporting the well-being of residents while maintaining privacy. Aluminum elements offer adjustable privacy and assist in ventilation, complemented by biophilic features that integrate indoor gardens for improved air quality. The strategic use of these materials not only bolsters durability against external conditions but also promotes a balanced and healthy living environment.

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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

`
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
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