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Circular Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings

Author:
Ana Rita Rodrigues Gomes
Circular Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings
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With circular forms wrapped in straw cladding, the design creates a tranquil space for meditation and reflection that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique circular design promotes a sense of serenity and focus.
02
Exterior wrapped in straw allows for natural aging and integration with the environment.
03
Interior layout prioritizes meditation and relaxation, enhancing user experience.
04
Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
Geometric forms create defined functional spaces while encouraging movement and interaction.

The design features a wooden structure situated gently within its environment, highlighting a combination of simplicity and reflection. It showcases pure geometric forms—a central square surrounded by four circles—that create a harmonious connection with the landscape. The focus on seclusion enhances the overall purpose, inviting individuals to explore mindfulness and self-awareness within an engaging setting.

Geometric Integration

The arrangement skillfully coordinates the square and circular elements, establishing a clear yet inviting spatial hierarchy. The circles efficiently adapt to the square, defining usable exterior spaces while maintaining an open flow. This thoughtful configuration encourages movement and interaction, fostering a strong link to the natural surroundings.

Material Selection

A defining characteristic of the design is the exterior finished with straw. This choice aligns the structure with the local landscape, allowing it to blend visually. The straw not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also reflects a commitment to sustainability, enabling the building to age naturally over time.

Interior Functional Spaces

Inside, the circular area promotes a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for meditation and relaxation. Users can connect with the outside through ambient sounds and views of trees and open space. While the design maintains simplicity, it thoughtfully includes essential amenities to accommodate various activities, from personal reflection to small gatherings.

Connectedness to Nature

Design details further enhance the relationship between the structure and its setting. Large openings provide scenic views, inviting sunlight and fresh air inside. The layout encourages users to engage fully with the environment. This thoughtful interaction creates a backdrop for quiet contemplation, enriching the overall experience of the space.

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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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