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Bamboo Structure with PVC Fabric Skin for Community Gatherings

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Bamboo Structure with PVC Fabric Skin for Community Gatherings
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Constructed primarily from bamboo and enveloped in a durable PVC fabric, the center serves as a community gathering space that blends sustainable materials with principles of Sacred Geometry.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using bundles of bamboo for a flexible and lightweight framework.
02
The outer skin features PVC fabric, allowing natural light while protecting against weather.
03
Designed with principles of Sacred Geometry, reflecting natural forms in its layout.
04
Elevated structure to minimize site disruption and enhance airflow beneath.
05
Incorporates compost toilets to support sustainable wastewater management.

The Sacred Community Center is located in a region with a Mediterranean climate, designed to serve as a versatile space for community gatherings. The design focuses on a diagrid structural system that allows for large, open areas within the building. This feature supports various events, reflecting the importance of community and connection to nature.

Structural Design

The center's primary framework is made from bundles of thin bamboo. This material offers both strength and flexibility, enabling construction without the need for heavy machinery. The diagrid system creates open interiors, promoting flexibility and adaptability for different uses. Sacred Geometry influences the design, taking inspiration from natural patterns like the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio, which enhance the overall visual and functional appeal.

Material Usage

The building's outer layer consists of PVC fabric. This choice provides translucency and durability, allowing natural light to enter while also shielding the interior from weather conditions. The fabric is carefully shaped to fit the structural framework, creating a relationship between the two elements. This approach not only contributes to the building’s look but also improves its thermal performance, helping to keep the interior comfortable.

Environmental Considerations

Raised off the ground, the building limits site disruption and allows rainwater to flow freely beneath it. This elevation aligns with principles of environmental sustainability and enhances natural ventilation, important for comfort in warmer weather. Service areas are arranged along the edge of the main space for easy access to mechanical systems, ensuring that the primary gathering area remains unobstructed and inviting.

Interior Layout

The center includes a commercial-grade kitchen and compost toilets to support larger gatherings sustainably. Storage spaces are thoughtfully included for easy access to chairs, tables, and supplies, contributing to operational efficiency. The open design encourages community interaction and engagement, creating an environment where users can immerse themselves in a space deeply connected to natural geometry.

The integration of sacred geometric principles into the design encourages reflection and connection, resulting in a space that embodies the community's spirit and aspirations.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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?

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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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