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Bamboo Tessellation Overlooking Scenic Hills for Mindful Practice

Authors:
Miah Thorpe, Marco Kim, Thomas Doan
Bamboo Tessellation Overlooking Scenic Hills for Mindful Practice
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Elevated above a picturesque landscape, the yoga house incorporates bamboo tessellation in its roofing to create a dynamic interplay of light while promoting mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga house is constructed using a fully elevated platform to mitigate water exposure.
02
Bamboo tessellation in the roofing enhances natural light dynamics and interior atmosphere.
03
A rainwater collection system supports all plumbing needs, reducing reliance on mains water.
04
The design includes a greywater treatment system for landscape irrigation.
05
Manual Teflon blinds allow flexible control of light and ventilation within the space.

The architectural design project "Luminance" invites a quiet interaction between nature and built form. Located among rolling hills and a riverine landscape, it serves as a yoga house that aims to create a peaceful atmosphere for mindfulness and spiritual growth. The design is inspired by the lotus flower, which symbolizes clarity and enlightenment, reinforcing the project’s focus on well-being and tranquility.

Design Concept
The concept behind Luminance emphasizes creating a reflective space that encourages users to connect with their surroundings. The shape of the structure mimics the fluidity and elegance of the lotus flower, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Elevating the building allows for expansive views of the landscape, integrating the architecture with the natural beauty of the site.

Materiality
Bamboo is the primary material used in the construction, valued for its lightness and sustainability. Choosing bamboo aligns the building with ecological practices and local traditions. The roof features a layered design of bamboo that supports both structural stability and a unique play of natural light inside the yoga house. This approach not only connects the structure to its environment but also respects local building practices.

Sustainability Strategies
Luminance implements various strategies to promote sustainability. A system for collecting rainwater addresses the facility’s water needs effectively. The large roof area channels rain into gutters and a storage tank, ensuring that water can be used for toilets, showers, and kitchen functions. A greywater treatment system recycles water, providing irrigation for the landscape and further reducing dependency on external supplies. Solar energy is harnessed through strategically placed photovoltaic panels, aiding in efficient energy use throughout the building.

User Experience
The design enhances user experience by focusing on comfort and tranquility. Manually operated Teflon blinds allow control over light and air, creating a pleasant indoor climate. A winding pathway leads visitors to the yoga house and reflects the natural contours of the land. Unobstructed views of sunsets over the hills offer moments for contemplation and connection with the landscape, underscoring the intent to foster a sense of peace and reflection in this serene environment.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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