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Cultivating Calm Through a Rainwater-Integrated Sanctuary with Natural Light

Authors:
Hazem Elshafei, Ali El Sabaawi, Daana Bolot
Cultivating Calm Through a Rainwater-Integrated Sanctuary with Natural Light
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A sanctuary that integrates rainwater management and natural light dynamics creates a meditative dwelling for its inhabitants, fostering tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The dwelling features an inner courtyard that fosters natural tranquility and biodiversity.
02
Rainwater is actively reused through an integrated management system enhancing sustainability.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Strategic wall cuts provide visual connections to the exterior, maintaining awareness of time.
05
The sanctuary serves as a flexible space for contemplation, responding to the inhabitants' needs throughout the day.

Beyond Shelter is a residential design that aims to provide a calming retreat from the frenetic pace of modern life. Located in an area where nature and the built environment interact, the dwelling focuses on fostering peace and emotional well-being. The concept is rooted in recognizing the rhythms of nature, promoting a lifestyle that encourages inhabitants to align their daily activities with the movement of the sun.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The design effectively organizes living spaces, functioning like a natural clock. Inhabitants are encouraged to start their days at dawn, enjoy productivity during daylight hours, and slow their pace as evening approaches. With the bedroom positioned on the North-West side of the home, the design enhances the flow of natural light, promoting restful sleep and a consistent daily rhythm.

Connection with Nature

A key aspect of the design is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. An inner courtyard filled with greenery and trees serves as a focal point, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the home. This connection fosters a feeling of tranquility, allowing the serenity of the natural world to blend seamlessly with daily life. Residents can experience nature without leaving the comfort of their home.

Sustainability and Water Management

Sustainability features prominently in the project, particularly with its innovative approach to rainwater management. The design incorporates drainage systems that collect rainwater and directs it to the courtyard. This not only reduces waste but also introduces natural sounds that contribute to a soothing living environment. Thoughtful water management fosters a sense of harmony with the elements, essential for a peaceful home.

The Sanctuary Space

Central to the design is a sanctuary dedicated to contemplation and relaxation. This multifunctional space is adaptable, offering different experiences throughout the day to suit the needs of its inhabitants. By providing a tranquil area for reflection, it supports the broader goal of emotional safety within the home.

Strategically placed openings around the house allow for abundant natural light, drawing attention to the changing qualities of the day. Visual connections to the outside reinforce a continuous awareness of time and environment. Such details contribute to a residence designed not only for living but also for nurturing well-being and harmony.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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