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Asymmetrical Forms Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Natural Light in a Multi-Functional Community Space

Authors:
Maria Dushina, Aleksey Kotlyarskiy
Asymmetrical Forms Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Natural Light in a Multi-Functional Community Space
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Textured concrete and asymmetrical forms converge to create an engaging multi-functional space that fosters community interaction while seamlessly integrating natural light and landscaping elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete creates a tactile facade that mimics natural rock formations.
02
Asymmetrical shapes enhance spatial flow and visual interest throughout the building.
03
Integrated gardens promote biodiversity while providing serene indoor environments.
04
Natural light is optimized through extensive glazing and strategically placed skylights.
05
A dual-purpose ramp serves both circulation and exhibition needs, fostering interaction.

### Project Overview
The Grotto is situated in a dynamic urban environment characterized by mixed-use developments. The design approach emphasizes the integration of the built environment with its natural surroundings, utilizing innovative forms and materials that promote interaction and exploration among users.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Outcomes
The multi-level configuration includes distinct zones that serve various community functions. An entrance square serves as the primary gathering point, welcoming visitors into the building. Adjacent to this space are the café and main hall, which prioritize social engagement and community interaction. Additionally, multi-functional halls are designed to accommodate diverse activities, including exhibitions, performances, and installations, allowing for flexible layouts tailored to specific events.

### Material and Design Elements
A modernist material palette is employed throughout the project, featuring reinforced concrete for structural integrity and organic texture, alongside expansive glass façades that facilitate natural light and provide views of the surrounding area. The integration of organic landscaping elements enhances indoor biodiversity, connecting users to the external environment. The architectural composition includes asymmetrical forms inspired by natural rock formations, while the interior is enhanced by features such as skylights and water elements, which contribute both aesthetically and psychologically to the user experience. A distinctive ramp functions as both circulation and exhibition space, fostering movement and visual continuity within the structure.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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