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Sunken Courtyard Embracing Local Red Bricks and Timber Screens for Communal Living

Authors:
Chuck Ty Yeoh, Mario Luz, Richard Dalman, Matthew Wang
Sunken Courtyard Embracing Local Red Bricks and Timber Screens for Communal Living
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A sunken courtyard centered around an O-live tree enhances communal living, defined by locally sourced red bricks and functional timber screens that create a harmonious balance between social interaction and personal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a central O-live tree within a sunken courtyard, emphasizing a connection to nature.
02
Local red bricks are used for the exterior, reflecting regional architectural heritage.
03
Timber screens provide shading while allowing for natural light penetration into living spaces.
04
Distinct functional zones are defined by tiered levels, promoting both privacy and community interaction.
05
Passive cooling is achieved through the courtyard's design, enhancing energy efficiency throughout the residence.

### Overview

O-Live House is located in a rural area of Portugal, designed to blend modern architectural principles with traditional influences. Central to the project is a sunken courtyard with an O-live tree, which embodies the intent of fostering community engagement and a strong connection to the local landscape. The design addresses contemporary living requirements while emphasizing sustainability through the integration of natural elements and local materials.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a series of tiered rings that encircle the courtyard, which not only enhances the prominence of the O-live tree but also provides a clear organizational framework for the interior spaces. This arrangement allows for dynamic interaction with the environment, optimizing views and creating shaded areas that improve comfort in warmer weather. The zoning of the building distinguishes various functional areas catering to diverse activities, including relaxation, social interaction, and personal retreat. Specific spaces such as the meditation pavilion, plunge pool, and an open-plan kitchen promote a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The design incorporates locally-sourced red bricks and traditional red roof tiles, integrating elements of Portuguese architectural heritage while ensuring structural integrity. Timber screens provide both texture and shading, enhancing privacy without sacrificing natural light. Concrete panels serve as modern structural elements, demonstrating a synthesis of contemporary aesthetics with traditional forms. The sunken courtyard design aids in natural temperature regulation, and the use of local materials minimizes transportation emissions, promoting a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsiveness throughout the project.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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