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Translucent Roofs and Natural Materials Shape Modular Living Solutions

Author:
Zuzanna Denysiuk
Translucent Roofs and Natural Materials Shape Modular Living Solutions
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With a focus on modularity and the integration of translucent roofs, this design provides adaptable living spaces for displaced individuals, ensuring both functionality and environmental responsiveness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow residents to customize their living spaces based on personal needs.
02
Translucent roofing enhances natural light while facilitating rainwater collection.
03
The design incorporates natural materials to minimize environmental impact.
04
Walls can be assembled both vertically and horizontally, allowing flexible configurations.
05
The project promotes community integration through interconnected living units.

The design focuses on the urgent needs of individuals and families affected by the ongoing refugee crisis. Set in regions impacted by migration, the project emphasizes a modular living solution that prioritizes community, safety, and personal involvement. Known as "The Beginning," this concept allows residents to take part in creating their own homes, which provides a sense of stability during times of upheaval.

Modularity and Customization

At the heart of the design is its modularity. This allows users to adjust their living spaces according to personal needs. Given the varying cultural backgrounds of migrants, this flexibility is essential. The architecture is adaptable to different geographical areas, with wall thickness adjustable for local climate conditions, ensuring that the design remains effective regardless of location.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability plays a key role in the development. The project utilizes natural materials in a way that prevents waste, reflecting a focus on ecological responsibility. Such considerations show an understanding of how proper material use impacts both the environment and inhabitants. Design elements are efficient and effective, supporting clean water management within each unit.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The interior spaces are designed with functional modular components. These units can conceal electrical and plumbing systems within the walls, optimizing the living area while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The inclusion of a rainwater collection system adds to the sustainability efforts, promoting responsible resource use.

Structural Configuration

The structural approach allows for flexible assembly, accommodating vertical and horizontal configurations. The roof is made from waterproof and translucent materials, enabling rainwater drainage and the entry of natural light into the interior. The sloped roof enhances ventilation, maintaining comfortable living conditions throughout various weather circumstances.

There is also consideration for future growth, as the design allows units to be expanded or connected, facilitating the creation of larger living spaces. This adaptability is crucial for communities as they develop over time, providing a solid foundation that supports long-term resilience and sustainability in challenging environments.

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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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