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Tactile Elements and Contrast Highlighting in a Home for Visual Independence

Authors:
Kseniia Veselova, Tatiana Kargina
Tactile Elements and Contrast Highlighting in a Home for Visual Independence
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Utilizing modular design and contrast highlighting techniques, the home creates a tactile environment that supports independent living for visually impaired individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Contrast highlighting enhances orientation by visually distinguishing key elements throughout the home.
02
A modular spatial grid simplifies navigation and allows for adaptable living arrangements.
03
Furniture is secured in place to foster stability and predictability in the environment.
04
Walking paths feature varied textures to reinforce tactile differentiation for users.
05
Dedicated storage solutions are customizable to meet individual needs and preferences.

The project known as "Home for the Blind" prioritizes creating a supportive living environment for visually impaired individuals. Located in a carefully considered setting, the design emphasizes safety and ease of navigation. The main idea is to foster independence by reducing obstacles, enabling residents to adapt to their surroundings with minimal effort.

Design Concept

Linear travel paths form the foundation of the layout, avoiding curves and angles. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows residents to move through their home without hesitations or unexpected turns. The arrangement includes open spaces defined by straightforward rectangular shapes, which incorporate built-in furniture. This approach not only maximizes functionality but also contributes to a sense of calm throughout the interior.

Spatial Organization

Contrast plays a significant role in helping residents identify important elements within the space. Key features like furniture, entrances, and sockets are designed to stand out through different colors or textures. This visual differentiation supports orientation and helps individuals navigate their environment with greater confidence. The layout nurtures familiarity, which is vital for promoting independence.

Modularity and Tactility

A modular design approach utilizes a grid system measured in 300 mm increments. This method makes it easier for residents to orient themselves and adapt the space to their needs. The home also emphasizes tactile experiences, as walking paths and surface materials are chosen based on each room's function. This attention to touch enhances sensory engagement, helping individuals relate to their environment.

Stability and Storage

Stability is a key feature in this design, with a fixation system used to secure furniture in designated spots. This system keeps the layout consistent, allowing residents to form reliable mental maps of their surroundings. Additionally, a modular storage solution offers customizable organization tailored to different preferences. This aspect supports efficiency and helps maintain an orderly living environment.

Details like varied textures and easy navigation create an atmosphere conducive to independence. The design ensures that residents can confidently move through their home, whether they are fetching an item from storage or simply enjoying a moment of stillness.

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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.

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