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Corten Steel Bike Rack and Plywood Shelters in a Community Reading Space

Author:
Simona Guergova
Corten Steel Bike Rack and Plywood Shelters in a Community Reading Space
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Constructed with Corten steel and plywood, the modular design incorporates a bike rack and reading space, fostering community interaction through its unique open forms and practical functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Open Book module allows independent book exchange through its integrated bookcase.
02
Movable poufs provide flexible seating options to enhance user interaction.
03
The bike rack is crafted from Corten steel, integrating durability and aesthetic coherence.
04
The Inkwell's circular design promotes accessibility from all sides for community members.
05
Minimal concrete point foundations enable simple installation with low environmental impact.

The project consists of three unique modules situated in a public space designed to enhance community interaction. These modules provide areas for reading, bike storage, and book exchange. The overall concept emphasizes functionality and accessibility, inviting users to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

Open Book

The first module is named Open Book and serves as both a reading space and a book storage unit. It is designed to resemble an open book, featuring three open sides that allow for easy access and views. This structure includes one wall that acts as a bookcase, enabling independent book exchange. Seating alternatives such as movable poufs and static wooden benches cater to a variety of user needs. With a footprint of 12.5 m², the module requires only minimal excavation supported by three concrete point foundations.

Bike Rack

The second module functions as a bike rack, accommodating four to five bicycles. Constructed from corten steel, it combines durability with a simple aesthetic. This bike rack adds convenience for cyclists, allowing them to secure their bikes beneath the Open Book module, providing shelter from the elements. Its presence supports cycling as a practical and sustainable mode of transportation.

The Inkwell

The third module, known as The Inkwell, operates as a book exchange box. Its circular shape allows users to access it from any side, promoting easy interaction. The module features sliding doors made from bent wood, offering a unique way to reach four internal shelves. With a volume of 1 m³, The Inkwell is designed to withstand weather elements, ensuring it remains a functional community resource throughout the year.

The design effectively combines functional elements that encourage reading and promote literacy in a communal setting. Each module not only serves its individual purpose but also contributes to the overall functionality of the space, making it a resourceful addition to the urban landscape. A subtle, cohesive design approach ties the modules together, inviting users to explore and engage actively with their environment.

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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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