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Translucent Polycarbonate Facades with Modular Steel Grid Housing for Community Resilience

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Translucent Polycarbonate Facades with Modular Steel Grid Housing for Community Resilience
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Utilizing a steel grid structure and translucent polycarbonate facades, the design creates a modular housing solution that fosters community resilience in post-war environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a steel grid framework for structural flexibility.
02
Incorporates translucent polycarbonate panels for natural lighting.
03
Features modular components allowing for resident-driven layout changes.
04
Includes dedicated healing rooms for mental health support.
05
Designed to foster community engagement through participatory construction.

**Restorative Housing System in Post-War Context**

Located in areas significantly impacted by war, this architectural initiative aims to address the urgent need for housing while fostering social cohesion and psychological well-being. The design centers on a modular and restorative housing framework that incorporates communal and health-oriented spaces, emphasizing the importance of not only rebuilding physical structures but also revitalizing community ties and emotional support networks.

**Modular and Adaptive Framework**

At the core of the design is a modular system featuring a steel grid structure, which enables the stabilization of existing war-damaged buildings. This framework supports various residential units constructed from lightweight precast concrete or wood panels, allowing for easy assembly and future modifications. The dimensions of these panels—50cm x 50cm—facilitate resident involvement in the reconstruction process, thus promoting a sense of ownership and fostering community engagement.

**Health-Centric Design Elements**

The integration of communal spaces, including a public cafeteria, children's activity areas, and dedicated healing rooms, reflects a focus on social interaction and psychological recovery. Exterior design elements, such as translucent polycarbonate panels in calming hues, enhance natural light penetration, contributing to uplifting interior environments. Incorporating balconies and landscaped outdoor areas further promotes a connection with nature, addressing mental well-being and creating inviting spaces for community gatherings.

This project establishes critical principles of sustainable reconstruction, adaptability, and cultural relevance, ensuring that rebuilding efforts are responsive to the evolving needs of the population and retain the community's identity through local material use and active resident participation.

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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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