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Contemplation Deck and Stone Walls Shaping Community Interaction

Author:
Léon Hertz
Contemplation Deck and Stone Walls Shaping Community Interaction
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With a design centered around a golden spiral and anchored by a stone wall, the center integrates nature through green roofs and native plants while serving as a versatile hub for community activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a suspended contemplation deck for elevated views.
02
A stone wall defines the entrance, guiding visitors through the landscape.
03
Five dry toilets are integrated, with one designed for accessibility.
04
Green roofs support local biodiversity while requiring low maintenance.
05
The building layout emphasizes fluid circulation connecting communal spaces.

The Spirala community center is designed to function as the focal point of a community while integrating with the surrounding landscape. Located on a sloping terrain at a high elevation, the structure derives its form from the concept of the golden spiral. This approach not only allows the building to blend into its environment but also encourages interaction among users through strategically arranged pathways and communal spaces.

Design Concept

The golden spiral serves as the guiding principle for the entire design. It influences the layout, making it fluid and inviting. A prominent stone wall signals the beginning of the spiral, leading visitors along a carefully planned route. This path includes both a ramp and a staircase, facilitating easy access to the nearby water reservoir, which adds a natural element to the site.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout promotes versatility and engagement. A central multipurpose area is at the heart of the building, designed to host various community activities, including lectures, workshops, and social events. The space is flanked by two lower volumes, one housing five dry toilets—one of which is accessible—and the other containing a kitchen. This kitchen is thoughtfully placed within the curve of the spiral, ensuring it supports the needs of the community while maintaining the overall architectural vision.

Circulation and Accessibility

The circulation system within the center is defined by a floor made of modular slabs, which follow the roof's grid. This alignment enhances the visitor experience and encourages effortless movement throughout the facility. The design naturally guides guests toward the spiral's center, prioritizing accessibility while also shielding critical service areas like the kitchen. A pergola extending to the bathrooms serves as a transitional space, simplifying access for users.

Sustainability Measures

The community center addresses sustainability through its exterior design. Granite slabs create a smooth transition between constructed and natural spaces. Green roofs feature low-maintenance plant species that contribute to local biodiversity. At the same time, native plants along the ramp help secure the slope and offer seasonal visual interest. Energy efficiency is enhanced through the use of translucent tiles and photovoltaic panels, aligning the building with ecological standards.

The pathway concludes at a contemplation deck, elevated above the ground. This space offers visitors a scenic view of the landscape, encouraging them to connect with nature and reflect on their surroundings.

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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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