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Terracotta Cladding Meets Container Aesthetics in Communal Living Environment

Terracotta Cladding Meets Container Aesthetics in Communal Living Environment
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With a façade of terracotta cladding that mirrors the local maritime context and a modular design that fosters community interaction, this residential complex redefines communal living in a coastal environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design mimics shipping containers to integrate with local maritime culture.
02
Terracotta cladding provides climate responsiveness and aesthetic harmony with the landscape.
03
Shared green spaces encourage social interaction among residents, promoting community engagement.
04
Cross-ventilation principles enhance indoor air quality while reducing energy use.
05
Native plants utilized in landscaping minimize water consumption and support local biodiversity.

## Project Overview
The AM250 design project is located in close proximity to the port of Olbia, aiming to integrate modern residential living with a strong acknowledgment of its geographical context. The residential complex is designed to fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements, resulting in a nuanced relationship between built form and its environmental setting.

### Conceptual Framework
The architectural approach is informed by the characteristics of port containers, conveying themes of international exchange. The façade consists of orthogonally superimposed cubes that reflect the visual language of shipping containers and create a dialogue with the existing commercial landscape of Olbia. Terracotta is utilized as a primary cladding material, establishing a connection with regional architectural traditions while emphasizing sustainability.

### Design Elements and Materiality
- **Materials**: The project prominently features terracotta for façade cladding and roofing, reflecting local heritage while modernizing traditional applications. Concrete serves as the structural backbone, ensuring durability against coastal conditions, while wood is incorporated in elements such as railings and decorative details, adding warmth to the overall design.

- **Architectural Features**: The façade's rhythmic composition of cubes, varying in size and orientation, maximizes natural light and creates dynamic shadow play throughout the day. This design encourages passive solar strategies, enhancing energy efficiency. Landscaping utilizes native plants to promote biodiversity and minimize water requirements, while shared green spaces function for both aesthetic enjoyment and ecological benefit. Common gathering areas, including a rooftop terrace, facilitate social interaction among residents, underscoring the project's emphasis on community engagement.

Key aspects of the AM250 project focus on fostering individual comfort alongside communal experiences, with deliberate spatial planning that cultivates interaction and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the design incorporates strategies for enhancing outdoor comfort, contributing to a sustainable microclimate. Each design element is carefully calibrated to respond to the local environment, utilizing appropriate materials and considering climate challenges to achieve visual coherence and ecological sustainability.

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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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