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Textured Walls Enhancing Navigation in a Home for the Blind

Author:
Andre Halim
Textured Walls Enhancing Navigation in a Home for the Blind
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Differentiated by its textured walls that aid in spatial orientation, the residence offers blind individuals a navigable home designed for independence and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls are designed as tactile guides to assist navigation.
02
A corridor width of 1.1 meters enhances mobility and safety.
03
Distinct textured patterns on walls provide spatial orientation.
04
Natural light is integrated to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
05
Internal walls also serve structural functions beyond separation.

The design centers on creating a home specifically for blind individuals, highlighting their abilities rather than disabilities. Located in a mindful environment, the residence aims to provide accessibility and encourage independence. The concept emphasizes how thoughtful design can make daily navigation easier, helping occupants connect with their surroundings without relying on sight.

Walls as Directional Tools

Walls play a crucial role in guiding movement throughout the home. They are not just barriers; they act as helpful assistants for navigation. By using walls as tactile guides, blind individuals can move through the space with confidence. A corridor that is 1.1 meters wide supports this idea, allowing occupants to walk and maintain contact with the walls, ensuring safety and ease of movement.



Differentiation in Wall Patterns

The design includes different patterns and textures on internal and external walls to aid in spatial orientation. By varying these surfaces, the layout provides essential sensory feedback. This enables blind individuals to navigate their environment more easily through touch. The design improves the overall experience by helping occupants understand the space around them better.



Functionality of Internal Walls

Internal walls serve multiple purposes beyond separating areas within the home. They also support furniture and the roof, contributing to the structure's stability. This thoughtful combination ensures that every element is functional, maximizing the use of space. The separation of the roof from the external walls allows natural light to enter, enhancing the home’s quality while avoiding overwhelming visual effects.



Natural Light Integration

Light enters the home indirectly, creating a soft and inviting atmosphere. This approach enriches the indoor environment without relying on direct visual cues. The design prioritizes a warm ambiance, promoting comfort. This detail aligns with the goal of providing a welcoming space for blind individuals, making the home feel both safe and inviting.

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

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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