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Sustainable Living Through 3d Printed Recycled Materials Along Irrigation Canals

Authors:
Darshan Parikh, Abhijeet Parikh, Jonathan Chu
Sustainable Living Through 3d Printed Recycled Materials Along Irrigation Canals
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Constructed from 3D printed recycled materials, this modular housing solution integrates seamlessly with irrigation canals to support sustainable living in California's water-scarce regions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed for easy transport and relocation along irrigation canals.
02
The housing is constructed using 3D printed recycled materials, minimizing waste.
03
Each unit features solar panels integrated into the roof design for energy efficiency.
04
Wooden screens provide customizable privacy while allowing natural ventilation.
05
The project actively reduces water evaporation from adjacent irrigation canals.

**Project Overview**
Crosser addresses the pressing issues of housing shortages and environmental challenges within California's irrigation-rich regions. The project integrates sustainable practices with 3D-printed structures using recycled materials, aiming to provide affordable living solutions while preserving essential resources. Located in areas significantly impacted by high living costs and drought, Crosser responds to the need for efficient land use and innovative housing approaches.

**Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction**
The design features a linear arrangement of modular units that align with existing irrigation canals. Each unit is transportable, allowing for flexible placement and potential future relocation. This modularity enables dense clustering, fostering cohesive communities that maximize land efficiency and facilitate infrastructure integration. The design also incorporates adaptive features, such as movable elements and the capacity for micro-domestic or communal spaces, to accommodate the evolving needs of residents and enhance communal living.

**Sustainable Material Use**
Crosser employs an array of materials focused on sustainability and efficiency. The main structure is constructed using advanced 3D printing technology for quick assembly and minimal waste. Incorporation of recycled components throughout the units lowers the carbon footprint, while solar panels on the roofs provide renewable energy and reduce evaporation from the irrigation canals below. Additionally, large windows optimize natural light and passive ventilation, promoting comfort and reducing energy requirements. Custom wood screens are utilized not only for aesthetic appeal but also to offer privacy without compromising airflow or light, contributing to overall livability.

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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.

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