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Canvas Art Suspended over Hydro-Powered Home by the Bear River

Author:
Tristan Clauson
Canvas Art Suspended over Hydro-Powered Home by the Bear River
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Suspended on a bluff, a large canvas transforms a hydropowered home into a living art piece, echoing the flowing Bear River while promoting sustainable living for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
A large canvas for hyper-realistic artwork enhances the home's connection to nature.
02
The home generates energy from a hydro power system using the nearby river.
03
Turbines positioned on either side of the building facilitate renewable energy use.
04
Sustainable materials were selected to blend with the surrounding landscape.
05
The site plan incorporates views of the Bear River, emphasizing the natural environment.

Fluid Inspiration is a sustainable residential project situated along the banks of the Bear River in Idaho, USA. The design emphasizes the connection between people and nature, creating a living space that encourages ecological awareness. The home aims to blend with its environment while being a practical space for its inhabitants.

Hydro Power Utilization

The residence makes use of hydro power by redirecting water from the river into a small pond located in front of the house. The water flows through turbines positioned on either side of the building before returning to the river. This method of energy generation showcases a commitment to sustainable practices and reduces dependence on conventional energy sources. It underscores the importance of using local resources responsibly.

Artistic Integration

A key feature of Fluid Inspiration is the integration of large-scale art into the structure. A sizable canvas hangs from the bluff on which the house is built. This canvas displays hyper-realistic paintings that capture the beauty of water and its significance to the environment. This artistic element fosters reflection on the relationship between the built environment and the natural world, inviting residents and visitors to consider their place within it.

Material Selections

Materials chosen for the project are essential to its visual and functional character. The construction features dark gray anodized aluminum, gray stone veneer, white stucco, polished concrete, and dark gray carpet. These materials not only enhance the visual appeal of the home but also contribute to its durability and environmental goals. They resonate with the surrounding landscape, allowing the residence to integrate into its setting.

The design includes the large canvas as a focal point, encouraging ongoing artistic engagement. It reflects the river's movement and embodies the essence of the surrounding environment. This distinct feature enhances the relationship between the home and nature, strengthening the sense of place that defines Fluid Inspiration.

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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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