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Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting

Authors:
Mariana Rospigliosi, Camila Diaz
Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting
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Constructed with semi-translucent glass and innovative capsule spaces, this community hub for astronomers fosters collaboration and connection to the cosmos within a tranquil forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Capsule meeting rooms accommodate varied group sizes for enhanced collaboration.
02
An interdimensional tunnel provides a unique transition between levels, simulating space travel.
03
The exterior platform offers unobstructed views of the night sky for astronomical observation.
04
Semi-translucent glass allows for daylight while maintaining a connection to the environment.
05
Reflective metal is used in the structural skeleton, enhancing modern aesthetics and stability.

Astro-home is a collaborative space for astronomers located in a forest. This setting offers a calm environment where users can connect with nature and engage in their studies of the universe. The design concept revolves around an interdimensional journey, allowing individuals to transition from the grounding elements of the forest to the expansive beauty of the night sky. It combines areas for relaxation, study, and social interaction among astronomers.

Concept and Layout

The layout consists of several levels, each fulfilling specific functions. The upper level features a meeting room designed with various space capsules, allowing for gatherings of different sizes. Larger capsules accommodate larger groups, while smaller ones provide space for private discussions. This layout supports both collaboration and individual reflection, creating an environment that encourages the sharing of ideas.

Connecting the upper spaces, the common exterior platform encourages social activity while providing views of the sky. This visual access is an important element, fostering a direct relationship between the users and their observations of celestial phenomena. As astronomers gather, they can share their insights, deepening their connection to the cosmos.

Spatial Experience

An intermediate level contains the interdimensional tunnel, which links the upper and lower levels. This tunnel serves as a journey between dimensions, reinforcing the theme of exploration. It enhances the experience of moving through space, making the transition between levels feel more engaging and connected to the overall design concept.

The lower level is focused on community, providing a living room for informal gatherings. This area is designed to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, allowing astronomers to feel further connected to nature. It creates an inviting space for social interaction, encouraging collaboration in a comfortable setting.

Materiality

Material choices play an important role in the overall design. The roof is made of semi-translucent glass, creating a connection with the sky while providing protection from the elements. The space capsules use opaque materials to display cosmic imagery. This feature enhances the sensory experience, allowing users to interact with their environment meaningfully.

In the interdimensional tunnel, bright neon lights contribute to the idea of traveling between different realms. Reflective metal forms the structural skeleton of the building, providing stability and a modern appearance. Warm wood elements in the flooring create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting users to engage comfortably with the space.

Astro-home encourages a connection between astronomers and their environment, balancing the need for collaboration with personal reflection. The design culminates in an atmosphere where nature and the study of the cosmos coexist, offering unique experiences that enrich the lives of its users.

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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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