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Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience

Author:
Izabela Olszewska
Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience
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The robust basalt walls provide a striking contrast to the transparency of the glass facades, creating a resilient community space that harmonizes with the natural landscape while addressing environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt stone walls provide structural resilience and distinct texture.
02
A fully glazed curtain wall enhances natural light and visual connection with the landscape.
03
Rounded southern corners streamline wind flow around the building.
04
Custom-made glass bricks symbolize the blend of modern and traditional elements.
05
The design prioritizes integration with the surrounding environment to promote harmony.

The design integrates harmoniously with its natural environment while responding to both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations. Located in a region subject to strong winds, the structure has been crafted to serve as a protective space while also addressing environmental challenges. The concept focuses on the interaction between solid walls and transparent facades, creating a relationship between traditional and contemporary styles that reflects the local context.

Form and Function

The shape of the building is carefully designed to manage wind pressures. The northern side features a natural slope, while the rounded corners on the southern facade facilitate smooth airflow around the structure. This thoughtful design ensures that the building not only functions effectively but also enhances user experience within its communal space.

Materiality

Durability is a key element in this design, with thick walls constructed from basalt stone. These walls are cut into blocks and smoothed to provide both stability and a connection to the landscape. The choice of basalt reinforces the structure’s strength, while its texture contributes to the building's character, anchoring it within its setting.

Transparency and Light

The contrast between the solid walls and the main open area creates a unique visual experience. This space is enclosed by a fully glazed curtain wall made with vertical, custom-made glass bricks. Such a design allows for an abundance of natural light to fill the interior. The glass elements connect the inside with the outside, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional influences that enrich the architectural narrative.

Integration with Landscape

The overall design considers its surroundings, ensuring that the building does not dominate the landscape. Instead, it provides a clear visual statement while respecting the environment. This thoughtful integration results in a dynamic interplay of different textures and forms, celebrating the relationship between the structure and its natural context. The combination of materials and design outcomes invites a dialogue, leading to a sense of place that resonates with both inhabitants and visitors.

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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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