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Vertical Living with Expansive Glass Facades and Warm Wooden Accents in a Compact Urban Home

Vertical Living with Expansive Glass Facades and Warm Wooden Accents in a Compact Urban Home
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Constructed with expansive glass panels and warm wooden elements, the design integrates vertical living and sustainable principles to create a functional urban residence within a 99 m² footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed within a 99 m² footprint, maximizing vertical space for urban living.
02
Utilizes large glass panels to enhance natural light and provide unobstructed views.
03
Features warm wood accents that contrast with the sleek exterior for a balanced aesthetic.
04
Includes a fourth-floor terrace that offers outdoor space in a compact design.
05
Incorporates sandwich panels for improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency.

**99 m² House Overview**
This residential design is situated in an urban environment, emphasizing spatial efficiency and functionality within a 99 square meter footprint. The project adopts a vertical layout to accommodate the needs of a family, and integrates principles of minimalism to foster open, light-filled spaces that enhance the user experience. The architectural strategy also reflects a commitment to sustainability, showcasing conscientious material choices and environmental integration.

**Facade and Material Composition**
The exterior of the house features a varied material palette, contributing to both visual interest and functional performance. Large, blue-tinted glass panels are employed to maximize natural light and promote energy efficiency, while wooden elements provide warmth, serving as both structural infills and decorative features. A subtle brick background connects the building to its urban context, ensuring durability and continuity with the surrounding architecture. Additionally, vivid color accents create focal points that enhance the overall aesthetic and invite interaction.

**Spatial Organization**
The four-level layout of the residence is carefully organized to fulfill distinct functional roles. The ground floor serves as an entry point, complemented by a small garden area that contributes greenery to the urban setting. The first floor hosts essential living areas, promoting an open-plan design conducive to social interaction. The second floor includes private bedrooms with en-suite facilities, ensuring a balance of privacy and connectivity to communal areas. The third floor showcases multifunctional spaces adaptable to future needs, while the fourth level functions as a terrace, offering outdoor living opportunities and urban views.

By carefully considering materiality and spatial strategy, this design effectively addresses the dynamics of modern urban living, fostering an adaptable and sustainable residential environment.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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

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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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