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Cantilevered Glass Walls and Reinforced Concrete Create Harmonious Riverfront Living

Cantilevered Glass Walls and Reinforced Concrete Create Harmonious Riverfront Living
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Cantilevered sections and expansive glass facades frame river views while integrating reinforced concrete for structural stability, resulting in a thoughtfully designed residence that emphasizes natural light and outdoor connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered structure extends over the river, enhancing views and outdoor space.
02
Large glass panels maximize natural light while minimizing thermal gain.
03
Reinforced concrete provides durability and stability in an environmentally sensitive area.
04
Local vegetation is integrated into the design, promoting ecological balance.
05
Innovative open layout fosters connectivity between indoor and outdoor living areas.

**Overview**
Located along the banks of a river, the Light Telescope House integrates contemporary design with its natural surroundings. The architectural intent focuses on creating a tranquil living environment that prioritizes outdoor views and incorporates essential elements of light and space. The design concept, inspired by a telescope, effectively frames vistas and invites nature into the interior, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between built and natural environments.

**Architectural Form**
The structure features an innovative angular design characterized by overlapping rectangular forms that evoke movement and connectivity. This geometry facilitates cantilevered sections, extending outward to offer expansive views of the water and surrounding landscape. The modern aesthetic is achieved through sharp lines and a deliberate engagement with the site, enhancing the overall visual dynamics of the home.

**Materiality and Interior Design**
A deliberate selection of materials enhances both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural component, complemented by extensive use of glass, which maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views. Wooden elements throughout the interiors add warmth, contrasting with the cooler tones of concrete and glass, while steel is employed in railings and structural supports for durability and a contemporary industrial touch.

The interior layout features an open floor plan that promotes spatial flow, with communal areas positioned on the ground floor to dissolve boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The upper level houses private areas, designed for visual connectivity to the living spaces below. Key interior design features include strategically placed skylights and large windows for optimal natural light, along with integrated storage solutions that enhance functionality without compromising aesthetics.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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