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Translucent Glass Facades and Thermal Concrete Structures Create a Harmonious Living Environment

Translucent Glass Facades and Thermal Concrete Structures Create a Harmonious Living Environment
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Translucent glass facades and thermal concrete interact to enhance natural light penetration, creating flexible living spaces that foster community engagement in a serene residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades facilitate optimal light conditions throughout the day.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes space while integrating with the natural landscape.
04
A central courtyard encourages social interactions among residents.
05
Thermal concrete construction ensures effective insulation and energy efficiency.

### Overview
"Shape of Light" is situated in a context that emphasizes the crucial role of natural light in architectural design. The project explores how light influences the atmosphere and usability of various spaces throughout the day. This inquiry is framed by an understanding of how light shifts in direction and intensity, creating diverse experiences that respond to human activities and moods.

### Spatial Configuration
The organization of the spaces promotes a fluid and interconnected experience, departing from traditional linear layouts. The design features a central courtyard that acts as a communal hub, facilitating social interaction among occupants while visually linking various areas of the structure. This layout fosters an organic transition between indoor and outdoor environments, with strategically placed vegetation enhancing both aesthetic appeal and the connection to nature.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a key focus in the project, with concrete serving as the predominant structural element. Its inherent durability and raw texture provide a contrasting backdrop to surrounding greenery. Expansive glass facades enable natural light to permeate the interior, offering expansive views and visual continuity with the outdoors. Additionally, the potential inclusion of wooden elements would introduce warmth and tactile richness, balancing the overall aesthetic. The use of textured stone surfaces in outdoor areas further connects the constructed environment with the natural landscape, establishing pathways that engage users with their surroundings.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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