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Corten Steel Retreat with Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure

Author:
Andrea Bagnoli
Corten Steel Retreat with Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure
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A corten steel exterior envelops a solar tunnel design that channels natural light, complemented by a laminated wood structure, creating a sustainable retreat focused on wellness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar tunnel architecture optimizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
Protruding front porch provides shade, reducing heat gain.
03
Corten steel exterior develops a unique patina over time.
04
Xlam wood panels enhance structural stability while improving insulation.
05
Recycled polyester fiber insulation aligns with sustainability goals.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is located in Vale de Moses, designed to function as a retreat that connects its occupants with the environment. The structure reflects a commitment to sustainable design, focusing on energy efficiency while also facilitating a strong relationship with the landscape. The overall concept emphasizes the use of natural light and minimizes the building's ecological footprint, creating an environment that promotes well-being.

Solar Design

The building is designed as a solar tunnel, allowing sunlight to penetrate into interior spaces, enhancing brightness and reducing the need for artificial light. This approach helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere while ensuring that energy consumption is kept low.



Thermal Comfort

To address heat during the warm months, the architecture incorporates a protruding front porch. This feature provides necessary shade and keeps the interior cooler. Large windows on the south side, fitted with double glazing, enhance energy efficiency and offer views of the outdoors, blending comfort with the surrounding scenery.



Materials and Construction

Construction methods emphasize prefabrication and on-site assembly. The main framework consists of a laminated wood structure supported by concrete pillars. Bracing is provided by xlam wood panels, which contribute to the building's stability. Insulation is achieved using 20 cm of polyester fiber made from recycled materials, aligning the project with sustainability goals while improving thermal performance.



Aesthetic Integration

The outer walls are made of corten steel that will develop a unique rust-like patina over time. This feature helps the building blend into its surroundings naturally. The choice of materials strengthens the visual connection between the structure and the landscape, creating a sense of continuity as the seasons change.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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.

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