Fast Company asked architects from some of the top firms working around the world what they thought about the look of architecture in 2026. Of course, a building designed in 2026 almost certainly will not be completed in 2026, and construction timelines are notoriously fluid.
Meet Eco-C Cube, an eco-friendly construction block built from recycled plastic waste, such as old fishing nets, buoys, agricultural vinyl, mulching film, and other mixed, discarded plastic. The manufacturer Westec Global relies on what it describes as New-Cycling process. Instead of cleaning, sorting, and breaking plastics down into raw polymers, mixed plastic waste is fused directly into usable blocks to preserve the materials' strength and flexibility while avoiding the cost and emissions that are often linked with traditional recycling.
And the real beauty lies in the customization: pick between two to four bedrooms depending on the desired use. Then, choose the layouts, finishes, and interior features that reflect your style. Go for a cozy personal haven with plush rugs and a snug reading nook, or take advantage of the large windows framing scenic views to craft a vacation (or staycation) escape.
McKinstray most recently served as CFO and Senior VP at WK Kellogg Co., which became an independent company in October 2023 following a spin-off from Kellogg Company. Italian firm Ferrero purchased WK Kellogg Co. in September of this year, an acquisition that McKinstray helped oversee. McKinstray held various positions at Kellogg from 2010 to 2023, and has spent most of his career in the food and beverage industry.
What makes these homes special isn't just the eco-friendly materials. The architecture firm cracked the code on making rammed earth construction repeatable and adaptable. They use wooden frames repeatedly to build foundations and walls, then grow the number of rooms with each consecutive plan. The rammed earth walls aren't just pretty; they're the primary load-bearing elements supporting wooden roof panels through compression. Steel tie rods connect the roof to the footings, balancing all those forces to keep everything stable.
When the ground started shaking on that March morning in 2025, residents across central Myanmar braced for the worst. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that tore through the region left destruction in its wake, toppling buildings and shattering lives. But in Mandalay, something remarkable happened. A cluster of 26 bamboo houses refused to fall, standing defiantly against nature's fury just 15 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.
The Hungary-based architecture studio has built the Pebl Grand, a 220-square-foot, prefabricated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that looks more at home on FX's 'Alien-Earth' set than in someone's backyard. Designed to feel both natural and otherworldly, the Pebl Grand blends organic materials like wood and stone with aluminum. Its asymmetrical, faceted shell gives it an asteroid-like look, and depending on its exterior cladding - either mirror, wood, or stone - it stands out or camouflages into its surroundings.
The findings suggest that modular methods can reduce labor needs by up to 40%, speed project timelines by as much as 50%, cut costs when executed at scale and even reduce emissions. As a result, the modular industry poses a solution to some of the construction industry's biggest challenges including but not limited to costs, worker shortages and housing demand.
"The Modern Side Stack showcases the adaptability of shipping containers, demonstrating how they can be converted into modern, efficient homes that blend functionality with comfort."
