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Timber-Frame Structure Enhanced by Passive Ventilation and Recycled Glass Elements

Timber-Frame Structure Enhanced by Passive Ventilation and Recycled Glass Elements
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Incorporating sustainable materials like 3D-printed screens and recycled glass, this timber-frame residential design seamlessly integrates passive ventilation strategies to create a functional and adaptable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed screens to enhance privacy while allowing natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates recycled glass elements to increase daylight penetration throughout the interior.
03
Features dual courtyards designed for optimal passive cooling and outdoor living.
04
Employs wind chimneys to promote airflow and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
Constructed with a modular approach to allow for flexible living arrangements and future adaptations.

### Project Overview

Located within a contemporary urban context, this design aims to create a versatile living environment that harmonizes modern functionality with cultural traditions. The intent is to address the evolving needs of residents, integrating elements of privacy, sustainability, and community connectivity. The approach reflects a commitment to architectural responsibility in adapting to societal and environmental shifts.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is centered around a grid system featuring interconnected courtyards that promote a fluid spatial experience, while also prioritizing privacy. The design incorporates multiple living levels, allowing for various family configurations that enhance social interaction without compromising individual comfort. Key to this strategy are dual courtyards, which facilitate natural ventilation and reduce reliance on artificial cooling systems through thoughtful placement and orientation.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A carefully curated selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainable practices while fulfilling aesthetic and functional criteria. Concrete is utilized for structural integrity, alongside recycled glass to optimize natural light. Energy-efficient mineral wool insulation contributes to thermal comfort, while 3D-printed elements minimize waste and allow for design flexibility. Additionally, solar panels are integrated to harness renewable energy, complemented by sustainably sourced timber for interior finishes. Opaque 3D-printed screens enhance privacy while permitting airflow and light, exemplifying the design's focus on both form and environmental responsibility.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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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.

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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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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