A new architecture competition is challenging designers worldwide to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. The Next House: USA, organized by Buildner, offers $20,000 in total prize money and asks participants to create a compact yet functional prototype that addresses modern challenges of climate change, economic pressure, and evolving social values.
The competition calls for designs of homes suitable for a standard household of two adults and one child, with a maximum size of 1,500 square feet (140 square meters). The design must serve as a replicable prototype that could work across diverse climates and contexts throughout the United States. Organizers emphasize moving beyond size and spectacle to focus on what makes a home truly meaningful: adaptability, sustainability, affordability, and the ability to nurture both family and community life.
"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," the competition brief states. "Once imagined as the embodiment of comfort and stability, it now often represents excess, isolation, and environmental strain."
The competition is open to all participants, from students to established professionals. Prize distribution includes a first place award of $10,000, second place at $5,000, and third place at $3,000. Additionally, there will be six honorable mentions, a Buildner Student Award worth $1,000, and a Buildner Sustainability Award also worth $1,000.
Registration follows a tiered pricing structure with an early bird period running from September 24 through November 19, advance registration from November 20 through February 18, and last-minute registration from February 19 through May 20, 2026. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, with submissions due by June 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on September 22, 2026.
The initiative aims to spark broader conversation about how suburban homes can evolve to reflect contemporary realities and future aspirations. Organizers seek 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.
