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Butterfly Roofs and Straw Bale Walls in a Community Hub Design

Authors:
Marco Marchetti, Giulia Turci
Butterfly Roofs and Straw Bale Walls in a Community Hub Design
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The butterfly roof and straw bale walls create an environmentally responsive community hub that promotes interaction and sustainability through its carefully designed spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Butterfly roof design optimizes solar gain and temperature regulation.
02
Straw bale walls provide excellent insulation and environmental sustainability.
03
Service area is strategically placed to protect from cold winter winds.
04
Integrated rainwater management captures runoff from the roof.
05
Outdoor kitchen enhances community engagement and social interaction.

The project emerges as a carefully considered integration of functional spaces focused on sustainability and community engagement, set within a natural environment. It aims to provide various amenities that enhance user experience, allowing for interaction while showing a commitment to environmental awareness. The layout is organized to facilitate easy movement through spaces that accommodate both public and recreational activities.

Programme Structure

The overall layout includes important areas such as a Ticket Sales Area, an Information Centre with a Multi-Purpose Room, and multiple Storage Areas. A conveniently placed WC ensures accessibility for visitors. A Cafe Area with a kitchen promotes social interaction, while additions like a Children Playground and Outdoor Kitchen Counter encourage outdoor activities. This combination enhances usability and prioritizes a welcoming atmosphere for community interaction.

Climate-Responsive Design

A notable feature is the Butterfly Roof, which has been designed to respond effectively to climate conditions. This roof allows for ample sunlight during winter, promoting warmth, while also providing shade to cool the interior during summer. The northern placement of the Service Area protects visitors from cold winter winds, showcasing a thoughtful approach to local weather patterns that enhances comfort throughout the year.

Sustainability Features

The project integrates an effective Rainwater Management system that reflects a commitment to sustainability. Rainwater flows from the Butterfly Roof’s design into a gutter, leading to a storage tank. This system conserves water and reduces the need to rely on external sources, emphasizing an environmentally responsible approach to resource management.

Structural Elements

The design incorporates various structural components, including Timber Beams, Polycarbonate Bubble Wrap, a Straw Bale Wall, Tyre Foundation, and Straw Bale Floor. Each element contributes to the building's thermal efficiency and structural durability, supporting the project's environmental goals and making it well-suited for modern needs.

The design focuses on fostering community interaction and creating spaces that are user-friendly. By blending functionality with environmental considerations, the project achieves a balance that enhances the overall experience for its users and aligns with the surrounding landscape.

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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?

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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