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Basalt Stone Structure Enhancing Local Ecology with Green-Glass Integration

Author:
Guido R. Strohecker
Basalt Stone Structure Enhancing Local Ecology with Green-Glass Integration
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A distinctive basalt stone structure utilizes green-glass elements to create a space that harmonizes with local ecology, serving as both a greenhouse and restaurant.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt stone walls enhance thermal mass and sustainability.
02
Green-glass windows optimize light while maintaining indoor climate control.
03
Integrated food production area promotes local agricultural ties.
04
Layout encourages seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.
05
Design reflects local ecological principles and material use.

The design integrates the built environment with the natural landscape, situated in an area that emphasizes the concept of Mother Earth. The setting functions as both a greenhouse and a restaurant, focusing on themes of nurturing, growth, and interdependence. Its layout encourages interaction with nature while fostering a communal atmosphere that supports sustainable practices.

Conceptual Framework
The underlying idea revolves around the metaphor of Mother Earth, highlighting resilience and interconnectedness. It considers how spaces can nurture not only people but also plants, showing a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment.

Functional Integration
Distinct functional areas are arranged to enhance visitor engagement. The greenhouse complements the restaurant, allowing for food production and providing guests with a chance to experience the cultivation process. This setup fosters an appreciation for sustainable food sources, changing the typical dining experience.

Materiality
Basalt stone serves as the primary material, providing a tactile connection to the earth. This choice provides structural support while bringing warmth to the space. The use of natural materials highlights a commitment to ecological integrity and emphasizes the beauty of the environment.

Spatial Organization
The layout promotes easy navigation, enabling visitors to move freely between different areas. The design carefully considers sightlines and movement, which helps to blur the lines between inside and outside spaces. This arrangement invites natural elements into the structure, creating a feeling of unity with the surrounding landscape.

Sunlight streams through large green-glass windows, illuminating the basalt walls and creating a dance of light and shadow that changes with the day. This dynamic interplay enhances the atmosphere within the space.

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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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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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