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Corten Steel Meets Coastal Immersion in Thoughtful Community Space

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Corten Steel Meets Coastal Immersion in Thoughtful Community Space
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Integrating corten steel with expansive natural light, the design establishes a coastal community hub that fosters ecological awareness and user interaction through thoughtfully planned spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathered corten steel that naturally blends with the coastal environment.
02
Incorporates large glass panels for optimal natural light and panoramic views.
03
Features pathways that promote user engagement with both the structure and landscape.
04
Water features strategically placed to enhance tranquility and reflection.
05
Utilizes a layout that encourages ecological awareness and community interaction.

## Overview

Located along the coastline, the design project engages with the relationship between urban development and natural landscapes. It critiques the complexity and consequences of urban expansion through a structure that appears submerged within its environment, fostering a dialogue around ecological interaction and community engagement. The design invites users to explore themes of environmental conservation and urbanization, using spatial strategy and innovative materials to enhance the visitor experience.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial configuration emphasizes a deliberate orientation toward the coastline, incorporating pathways that guide visitors through a sequence of experiences. The design balances enclosed and open areas, fostering a dialogue between the interior and exterior environments. This approach enhances visibility and allows for meaningful engagement with the coastal landscape. The experience is further enriched by strategically placed reference points that encourage users to reflect on their surroundings and the ecological narrative conveyed by the space.

## Materiality and Light Manipulation

Material selection is integral to the project's character. Handcrafted steel serves as a structural element, merging durability with contemporary industrial aesthetics. Concrete provides a robust foundation, while corten steel develops a unique patina over time, reinforcing the connection to nature. Glass is used to frame views and control light, creating dynamic interactions within the space. Innovative light integration through large panels and skylights enhances the ambiance, emphasizing the passage of time and enriching the overall user experience.

Water features incorporated into the design introduce a sense of tranquility, symbolizing fluidity and the inherent changes in both natural ecosystems and human conditions, all while promoting a sustainable urban development approach.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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