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Vertical Gardens and Protective Fabrics in Resilient Community Structures

Vertical Gardens and Protective Fabrics in Resilient Community Structures
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Utilizing protective fabrics and cement bonded particle boards, the design integrates vertical gardens to foster urban resilience while providing multifunctional community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes specialized protective fabric for enhanced safety and resilience.
02
Integrates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
03
Employs modular cement bonded particle boards for structural versatility.
04
Features a unique panel geometry for aesthetic and functional optimization.
05
Prioritizes multifunctional public spaces to enhance social interaction.

### Overview
Located in a context rich with narratives of resilience and recovery, this architectural design project draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which highlights the beauty in imperfections. The intent is to develop architectural responses that rebuild and revitalize damaged structures, contributing to the cultural and historical fabric of the area. Through intentional design decisions, the project captures stories of healing and renewal, combining aesthetic expression with functional adaptability.

### Design Philosophy and Spatial Strategy
The Kintsugi philosophy underscores the conceptual framework, encouraging a celebration of damaged spaces through design interventions. The project emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfections, recognizing that flaws tell integral stories of past experiences. The transformation of damaged facades illustrates this approach, allowing structures to reflect vibrant expressions of art and life while serving as symbols of the healing process. Public spaces are thoughtfully integrated to enhance community engagement, including dual-purpose elements such as bus stops that provide safety and facilitate social interactions.

### Material Considerations
Materials play a pivotal role in articulating the project's objectives and ensuring functionality. Choices are driven by sustainability and the capacity to embody the Kintsugi narrative:

- **Plaster** offers a refined finish that fosters elegance.
- **Nuclear bomb protection fabric** provides safety for inhabitants while symbolizing resilience.
- **Cement bonded particle board** ensures durability and structural integrity with a lightweight profile, essential for modular designs.
- **Insulation and support frames** optimize energy efficiency while contributing to the overall design integrity.

The deliberate selection of materials not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the buildings but also reinforces their narrative significance, facilitating a harmonious balance between function and artistic expression.

### Design Components and Community Integration
The project features various design elements, including two distinct facades tailored for different spatial requirements: Facade 1 for shorter areas and Facade 2 for larger expanses. Panel designs, comprising three geometric variations, promote versatility in application throughout both interior and exterior contexts.

Additionally, the design includes reimagined structures such as Building 82, which exemplifies an innovative façade system conducive to communal living while integrating vertical gardens to symbolize growth. Building 86 demonstrates adaptability in its facade treatment, fostering interaction among residents. Collectively, these elements illustrate a commitment to enhancing user experience and fostering community connectivity within the urban environment.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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