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Thermal Comfort Through Cantilevered Structures and Eco-Friendly Materials in Modular Living

Thermal Comfort Through Cantilevered Structures and Eco-Friendly Materials in Modular Living
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Cantilevered structures and thermo-solar vacuum tubes enhance thermal efficiency in a modular living environment designed for adaptability and resource conservation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered upper levels create shaded outdoor spaces, enhancing thermal comfort in a desert climate.
02
Thermo-solar vacuum tubes provide renewable energy, integrating sustainability into the design.
03
Modular units allow for adaptable configurations based on user requirements and preferences.
04
Extensive use of glass fosters a continuous visual connection with the surrounding environment.
05
Native plant landscaping complements the structure, promoting local biodiversity and ecological harmony.

### Overview
The Modular Urban Oasis is situated in a desert climate, presenting design solutions for contemporary residential living that prioritize sustainability and flexibility. The project focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between modern architectural aesthetics and environmental considerations.

### Spatial Strategy
Emphasizing modular design principles, the layout supports adaptability to varying needs and budgetary constraints. Individual functional areas are arranged in a linear configuration, allowing for spatial flexibility and potential expansion in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. A central linear atrium acts as a circulation spine, enhancing connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces while fostering community interactions and ensuring privacy through carefully designed visual barriers.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and visual appeal. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, extensive glazing for natural light and environmental integration, and wood for warmth and aesthetic value, particularly in shading devices and outdoor areas. Additionally, thermo-solar vacuum tubes are incorporated to harness solar energy, promoting energy independence and innovative resource management. The design enhances climate responsiveness through cantilevered structures that provide shading and natural climate control, complemented by integrated water harvesting systems that support 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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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