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Sustainable Living Enhanced by Large Glazing and Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainable Living Enhanced by Large Glazing and Eco-Friendly Materials
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Large glazing elements and a careful blend of concrete and aluminum create a modern family home that prioritizes sustainability while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive glazing to enhance natural light and views.
02
Features aluminum louvers for temperature and light control.
03
Includes a rainwater harvesting system for environmental sustainability.
04
Uses durable concrete for structural stability and longevity.
05
Offers adaptable spaces designed for future modifications based on needs.

### Project Overview

Located on a 15m x 30m plot with a total area of 400.27 square meters, the residential design aims to merge contemporary aesthetics with functional living spaces. The two-story structure prioritizes natural light, spatial fluidity, and an efficient layout, reflecting modern lifestyle needs. The design embodies minimalist principles while innovatively selecting materials, resulting in a refined yet practical dwelling.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The conceptual framework is centered on open spaces that encourage connectivity throughout the residence.

- **Ground Floor Configuration**: The ground floor includes a main entrance that leads to expansive living and dining areas, facilitating social interaction and allowing for adequate natural ventilation. Noteworthy features comprise a spacious living room that visually connects to an outdoor patio, multiple access points to storage and bathrooms for enhanced convenience, and a secondary entrance for improved accessibility.

- **First Floor Design**: Privacy considerations guide the layout of the first floor, which comprises several bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. Each room is designed to optimize natural light while maintaining privacy from adjacent properties. Versatile areas throughout the home are intended for future modifications to meet the changing needs of occupants.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the home’s sustainability and visual appeal.

1. **Structural Components**:
- **Concrete** is used for foundational elements, ensuring strength, while **steel** enhances structural integrity and contributes to the modern aesthetic.

2. **Facade Elements**:
- **Glass** features prominently in large windows to maximize daylight and views of the surrounding environment, contributing to energy efficiency.
- **Aluminum Louvers** improve shading and ventilation, balancing natural light intake and thermal comfort.

3. **Interior Specifications**:
- **Marble Flooring** is utilized in high-traffic areas for its durability and aesthetic quality, while **large format porcelain** finishes bathroom walls, adding a sleek, contemporary touch.

4. **Sustainable Practices**:
- The project incorporates solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, alongside organic waste biodigesters for gas needs, reflecting a commitment to sustainable living.

### Innovative Design Features

Key attributes of the design include strategies that enhance overall environmental performance and user experience:

- **Cross-Ventilation**: Optimally positioned windows and vents promote airflow, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems and enhancing energy efficiency.

- **Landscape Integration**: The outdoor spaces, including patios and pool areas, extend the living environment while maintaining privacy through thoughtful landscaping, fostering interaction with the exterior setting.

- **Modern Minimalism**: The design's clean lines and open spaces, paired with integrated technology, create an appealing modern environment. The interplay of natural light and shadow enhances the aesthetic, ensuring visual interest during both day and night.

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Enter an open architecture
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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
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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