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Textured Concrete Facade with Expansive Glass Openings for Contemporary Family Living

Textured Concrete Facade with Expansive Glass Openings for Contemporary Family Living
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Defined by its textured concrete facade and expansive glass openings, the residence integrates traditional values with modern design, creating an inviting environment for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete facade enhances thermal performance while providing visual interest.
02
Expansive glass openings optimize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes structural efficiency and spatial versatility.
04
Careful integration of outdoor spaces creates seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living.
05
Strategic material selection emphasizes sustainability and durability across all architectural elements.

### Overview

Located within a culturally rich context, the Sunduq House reflects a contemporary architectural approach that emphasizes modern living while respecting traditional Arab values. The design integrates minimalistic aesthetics with a focus on comfort and security, accommodating familial interactions within a structured yet inviting living environment. The concept behind the Sunduq House is informed by the Arabic term “sunduq,” meaning "box," symbolizing stability and the protective nature of home.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The architectural composition showcases a focus on geometric forms and minimalist lines, striving for a balance between openness and privacy. The façade features a combination of textured concrete and modular openings that allow natural light to filter through, creating varying shadow patterns that enhance the visual experience throughout the day. Large glass surfaces facilitate an interaction with the surrounding landscape, promoting natural ventilation and daylight while ensuring privacy through careful placement.

The structure employs concrete as the primary material, noted for its durability and aesthetic versatility, with surface finishes varying from smooth to textured. Extensive glazing emphasizes transparency and provides views of the lush greenery encircling the home. Metal accents, particularly stainless steel, complement wooden elements in select details, creating a modern yet warm atmosphere.

### Spatial Distribution

The Sunduq House encompasses three levels: a basement, ground floor, and upper floor. The ground floor is designed for communal living, featuring a range of spaces including the main entrance, kitchen, dining area, and living room, alongside utility areas. This layout encourages family interaction while designating areas for privacy, with optional outdoor spaces that enhance the living experience.

The upper floor is dedicated to private quarters, housing multiple bedrooms and an office or workspace to accommodate contemporary living needs. Balconies provide personal outdoor spaces that connect residents with nature. The basement supports functional requirements, including service areas like a driver’s room, maid’s quarters, and laundry, effectively segregating utility functions from the main living areas.

Overall, the Sunduq House exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architectural design principles that address both modern lifestyle expectations and cultural heritage.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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