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Curved Wood Panels and Transparent Materials Create an Intimate Reading Space Amid Scenic Landscapes

Authors:
Stefanie Kade, Tamina Seifert
Curved Wood Panels and Transparent Materials Create an Intimate Reading Space Amid Scenic Landscapes
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Curved wooden panels and transparent polycarbonate sheets form a welcoming Reading Room that invites visitors to reflect on literature while harmonizing with the natural beauty of Simsee's landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved wood panels create a seamless blend of structure and environment.
02
Interactive farewell panels encourage visitor engagement with literature.
03
Open framework design promotes natural light and scenic views.
04
Utilization of recycled materials underscores sustainability efforts.
05
Milled openings facilitate versatile space configurations for various activities.

## Project Overview

"From Readers to Authors" is a Reading Room located near Simsee, close to Rosenheim in Bavaria, Germany. The project is designed to encapsulate themes of farewell and reflection within a literary context, taking advantage of the tranquil lakes and surrounding mountains. The intent is to create a space that encourages personal engagement with literature, fostering a connection between readers and fictional characters.

### Interactive Spatial Design

The architectural layout emphasizes both public interaction and private reflection. An open-sided design facilitates engagement with the natural environment while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Key features include "farewell panels" made of wooden structures where visitors can attach handwritten notes to express their thoughts. This design promotes a sense of community and encourages deeper engagement with narratives, effectively merging the roles of readers and authors. The internal organization separates public areas from more secluded spaces, guiding visitors through an intuitive flow that reflects the narrative journey inherent in literature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The materials used in the construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality. The framework consists of wooden round bars that partition spaces while allowing unobstructed views. Wooden plates provide surfaces for farewell notes, reinforcing the interactive aspect of the design. Transparent polycarbonate sheets facilitate natural light entry, ensuring durability for outdoor use. Curved wooden panels enhance the tactile quality of walls and seating areas, while recycled sailcloth is employed in lounge seating to underscore ecological priorities. Additionally, ropes are utilized for suspending decorative “floating books,” enhancing the interactive experience within the space. The combination of modular and custom elements in construction enables ease of assembly while ensuring structural integrity.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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