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Bamboo Frame and Polished Steel Create a Sanctuary Embracing Nature

Author:
Matthew Di Paola
Bamboo Frame and Polished Steel Create a Sanctuary Embracing Nature
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Emphasizing a bamboo frame and polished steel exterior, this sanctuary integrates organic shapes with a vertical garden, creating a space for community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bamboo frame enhances structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
02
Polished stainless steel reflects the surroundings, creating a visual connection to nature.
03
Aeroplantation allows soil-free growth, optimizing space and resource use.
04
Vertical gardens provide edible landscapes, fostering community engagement.
05
The Fabric Hand Shade diffuses sunlight, enhancing comfort throughout the day.

Santuario is an architectural design located in the Portuguese hills. It embodies the idea of sanctuary, focusing on the relationship between built spaces and the natural environment. The design invites users to engage with their surroundings while promoting a sense of calm and connection to nature. The aim is to create meaningful spaces that foster contemplation and interaction.

Architecture and Landscape Integration
The overall design features organic shapes that contrast with traditional city structures. The Exposed and Fabric Hand Structures harmonize with the rolling terrain, allowing the architecture to blend into the landscape. This connection encourages users to experience both the natural and built environments in a cohesive manner. The design emphasizes the importance of coexistence rather than separation.

Sustainable Material Choices
A bamboo frame is used in the construction, providing strength while adhering to sustainable practices. Bamboo grows quickly, making it an eco-friendly choice. The cabin is finished with polished, recycled stainless steel, which reflects the surrounding environment. This choice of materials not only supports sustainability but also enhances the project’s visual appeal by creating a dialogue with nature.

User Experience
The layout is designed to encourage movement and exploration. Visitors are led to the rooftop, which features areas for growing edible plants. This allows individuals to interact with their environment and harvest fresh produce. The design aims to reconnect people with their food sources and inspire a stronger sense of community through shared experiences in nature.

Innovative Agricultural Techniques
An aeroplantation system is integrated into the design, allowing plants to grow without soil. This method reduces the physical load on the structure while ensuring efficient nutrient delivery. It reflects a modern approach to cultivation, highlighting how architectural designs can support ecological practices and promote sustainable living.

The Fabric Hand Shade plays a significant role in enhancing comfort by diffusing sunlight across different areas of the structure. The carefully placed net structure encourages biodiversity by attracting smaller wildlife, creating a rich habitat. This thoughtful design not only fosters a connection to the natural world but also leaves a lasting impression on visitors as they navigate through these spaces.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026
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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026
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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Take a seat and make a statement!

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