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Translucent Facades and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Durable Concrete and Timber in an Urban Residential Development

Translucent Facades and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Durable Concrete and Timber in an Urban Residential Development
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Showcasing translucent facades crafted from extensive glazing and warm timber accents, this urban residential development prioritizes communal interaction and adaptability within its diverse living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent facades enhance natural light and create a visual connection to the outdoors.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles contributes to building durability and a distinct aesthetic.
03
Adaptable floor plans allow for varying family sizes, catering to diverse residents.
04
Extensive communal spaces promote social interaction within the residential setting.
05
Sustainable materials focus on environmental sensitivity while reflecting local craftsmanship.

## Project Overview
Located in Rahova, a district near the center of Bucharest, Romania, the initiative aims to improve community spaces and housing quality in a region marked by socio-economic challenges and a legacy of collective housing from the communist era. The design draws upon the local culture and existing living arrangements, focusing on creating a new collective housing structure that effectively bridges individual homes and apartment complexes, while enhancing the overall urban fabric.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
The layout is informed by the surrounding urban environment, strategically positioning the building to promote natural light and encourage communal interaction. A key feature of the design is the incorporation of semi-public areas that extend beyond individual dwelling units, fostering social connectivity among residents. A designated ground floor is dedicated to public activities, further engaging the wider community and reinforcing a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. Apartment configurations are designed to meet the diverse needs of residents, accommodating varying family sizes from studios to three-room apartments, ensuring a flexible living experience.

## Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Materiality plays a crucial role in establishing the project’s identity and aligning with local architectural vernacular. The use of durable concrete forms the structural framework, while warm wooden elements enhance the comfort of communal spaces. Glass facades ensure transparency and natural illumination, creating a visual connection to the outdoors. Masonry elements are integrated to reflect local craftsmanship, contributing to a robust aesthetic. Thoughtful dual orientation enhances daylight exposure and energy efficiency, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability while encouraging resilience in the community.

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Enter an open architecture
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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

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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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

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