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Curved Glass Forms and Brick Textures in a Sustainable Rural Residence

Author:
Daniel Lash
Curved Glass Forms and Brick Textures in a Sustainable Rural Residence
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Curved glass walls integrate with locally sourced brick and wood, creating a cohesive rural retreat designed for communal living and interaction with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved glass walls maximize daylight while providing panoramic views of the landscape.
02
The design incorporates locally sourced brick to enhance ground-level stability and insulation.
03
Charred wooden shingles add a distinct texture while ensuring weather resistance.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength with reduced environmental impact.
05
A bent A-frame structure promotes natural ventilation and embodies a dynamic silhouette.

# House of Amber Light

## Project Overview

Located in a rural setting with expansive views of fields and hills, the House of Amber Light reflects a commitment to integrating contemporary design with its natural surroundings. The architectural approach draws upon regional narratives, creating a cohesive relationship between the residents and the landscape. This design prioritizes accessibility and engagement, encouraging a connection with the environment through strategic spatial organization.

## Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The structure consists of two principal forms: a circular drum and a rectangular plinth. The circular drum functions as a central element, representing unity and continuity, while the rectangular plinth is embedded in the ground, minimizing visual disruption. Visitors approach the site from the east, encountering the circular form, which creates an inviting transition through a descending ramp. This planned sequence of thresholds guides occupants from public to private areas, enhancing the overall user experience by promoting exploration and interaction within the space.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Material selection plays a critical role in the building's design narrative. Brick walls and pavers provide structural integrity while echoing local building traditions. Extensive use of wood adds warmth and texture, while glass elements facilitate connections between the interior and exterior environments, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. Curved glass in the drum enhances movement fluidity and contributes to dynamic light patterns throughout the day. The building’s careful elevation and material choices ensure minimal disruption to the landscape, allowing the natural environment to define the visitor experience.

The design includes communal spaces, such as dining and tasting rooms, promoting social interaction while providing natural lighting. Additionally, features for seasonal adaptability leverage thermal mass for comfort throughout the year. The effective layering of light sources and the strategic incorporation of skylights and large windows culminate in a thoughtful balance of illumination and ambiance.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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