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Thermal Mass and Natural Clay Define a Climate Responsive Family Residence

Thermal Mass and Natural Clay Define a Climate Responsive Family Residence
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Combining thermal mass with natural clay finishes, the design creates an energy-efficient residence that adapts to its climate while ensuring privacy and comfort for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced natural clay for finishes, reducing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates large overhangs for passive solar control, balancing heating and cooling.
03
Features a modular layout that adapts to family needs and varying occupancy levels.
04
Integrates high-performance glazing to optimize daylight while minimizing energy loss.
05
Employs reinforced concrete for structural stability, enhancing overall durability.

### Overview

Located in a climate-sensitive region, the House of the Future exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural design that prioritizes sustainability, cultural context, and user needs. The intent is to create a residence that balances modern amenities with environmental responsibility while ensuring privacy and comfort. The architectural form is characterized by bold, angular lines that distinguish it from conventional residential designs, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

### Spatial Strategy

The organization of space within the residence is deliberate and hierarchical. The ground floor features communal areas, including a living-dining space that fosters family interaction and connects to outdoor patios and gardens. In contrast, the upper level is dedicated to private spaces, such as bedrooms and a home office, allowing for solitude while still maintaining a connection to family dynamics. Circulation paths have been strategically designed to facilitate fluid movement between different areas of the house, enhancing interaction while preserving individual privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project incorporates a range of materials that reflect both practical and aesthetic considerations. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material, chosen for its durability and thermal efficiency. High-performance glazing optimizes daylighting and energy efficiency, while natural clays and mud are used in finishes to promote thermal regulation and connect with local traditions. The design also features large overhangs that protect against harsh summer sun while permitting passive solar heating in cooler months, demonstrating adaptability to seasonal changes. Additionally, landscaping with native plants requires minimal water and contributes to the ecological balance surrounding the structure, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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