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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Define a Multifunctional Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Define a Multifunctional Community Hub
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a thoughtful arrangement of recycled materials, this community hub creates an engaging environment that fosters social interaction while embracing sustainability at its core.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a unique texture that complements the surrounding environment.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that promote sustainability and efficient construction processes.
04
Includes a series of permeable landscaping elements that support local biodiversity and manage water drainage effectively.
05
Integrates large glass facades to maximize natural light and foster a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

# Analytical Report: Mesmerize Open Air Amphitheater

## Overview

The Mesmerize Open Air Amphitheater spans an area of 67,000 m² and is designed to integrate architectural innovation with environmental responsiveness. Located adjacent to a lake and gardens, the project aims to facilitate a vibrant urban space that encourages community interaction and engagement. The design is influenced by aquatic forms, reflecting a commitment to creating an environment that fosters a strong connection between built structures and the natural landscape.

## Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The amphitheater comprises five key components: an administrative building, a lake, gardens, a bridge, and the theater building itself. The central theme explores fluidity and movement, employing dynamic forms that echo the surrounding water and garden environments. The spatial arrangement promotes accessibility through two bridges that connect the garden area with the theater, enhancing visitor flow while providing vantage points for scenic views.

The layout emphasizes both functional and recreational use, with the artificial lake serving as a cooling element that regulates the local microclimate. The gardens feature circular pathways that encourage exploration and leisure, reinforcing the amphitheater's role as a communal gathering space.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a diverse range of materials chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while expansive glass facades maximize natural lighting and reinforce the connection to the outdoors. Steel serves as a versatile framework, allowing for creative architectural expressions, and timber elements introduce warmth to the interior spaces.

Sustainability is a key focus in material selection, emphasizing low-impact options and energy-efficient practices. The design incorporates features such as rainwater collection systems and strategic orientation to optimize daylight and reduce energy consumption. These elements reflect a holistic approach to environmental stewardship within the architectural framework.

## Design Specifics

The administration building acts as the operational center, featuring a fluid roof structure that mimics the movement of water, thereby enhancing indoor-outdoor connectivity. The theater, central to the project, offers performance spaces with sweeping curves and undulating roofs, embodying organic forms reminiscent of natural elements. This design effectively categorizes spaces into multifunctional areas, including retail and dining on the ground floor, further promoting community interaction.

The amphitheater prioritizes sensory experiences, integrating acoustic considerations to enhance sound quality for performances. Walking paths around the lake invite pedestrian traffic, fostering a sense of engagement with the surrounding environment, while maintaining a focus on biodiversity through thoughtful landscaping.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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
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Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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