Registration Deadline: Jan 13, 2027; Submission Deadline: Jul 12, 2027
For over half a century, the American suburban home has been more than just a building—it has been a cultural symbol, a promise, and at times a problem. Once imagined as the embodiment of comfort and stability, it now often represents excess, isolation, and environmental strain. How can this archetype be redefined for a century marked by climate urgency, economic pressure, and shifting social values? What does the “American home” mean today, and what should it mean tomorrow?
The Next House: USA – Edition 2 is Buildner’s invitation to explore these questions. The second edition of this competition calls on architects, designers, and thinkers worldwide to envision a new suburban prototype: a home that is compact yet generous, adaptable yet grounded, replicable yet sensitive to place. It asks participants to go beyond size and spectacle, and instead focus on what makes a home truly meaningful—its adaptability, sustainability, affordability, and ability to nurture both family and community life.
The task is to design a home for a standard household of two adults and one child, with a maximum size of 1,500 sq ft (approximately 140 m²), conceived as a prototype that could be replicated across the diverse climates and contexts of the United States.
Building on the ideas explored in the first edition, this new edition continues the conversation about the future of suburban living. The aim is not only to generate compelling designs but also to explore how the suburban home can evolve to reflect today’s realities and tomorrow’s aspirations. The Next House: USA – Edition 2 seeks ideas that redefine the American home—not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for a smarter, healthier, and more connected future.
PRIZE
All winners of The Next House: USA 2027 will automatically qualify for the annual Buildner Medal 2027, where they will compete alongside selected winners of other Buildner competitions for a share of the €50,000 prize fund.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Early Bird Registration: October 22, 2026 – January 13, 2027
Advanced Registration: January 14 – March 24, 2027
Last-Minute Registration: March 25 – June 10, 2027
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2027
Competition Q&A Deadline: June 15, 2027
Project Submission Deadline: July 12, 2027
Winners Announced: September 21, 2027