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Curvilinear Forms and Transparent Facades Blending Concrete and Glass in a Mediterranean Residence

Curvilinear Forms and Transparent Facades Blending Concrete and Glass in a Mediterranean Residence
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Curvilinear design elements crafted from reinforced concrete and expansive glass create a seamless interplay with the natural olive grove setting, culminating in a functional residential space that prioritizes connectivity and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms mirror the shapes of nearby olive tree trunks.
02
Extensive glazing ensures panoramic views of the olive groves.
03
Sustainable design incorporates passive solar strategies for energy efficiency.
04
Natural stone finishes create a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
The layout fosters fluid movement and social interaction throughout the space.

**Overview**

The Olive Tree House, located on the island of Aegina, Greece, presents a distinctive approach to residential architecture that responds to its natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the island's olive groves, the design aims to achieve a functional and aesthetic relationship with the landscape, integrating the principles of modern architecture while respecting the site's cultural and ecological context.

**Spatial Configuration**

The architectural layout prioritizes an open plan that encourages fluid movement and social interaction among occupants. Circular forms are employed throughout the design, enhancing connectivity and guiding residents towards communal spaces. The arrangement includes diverse living areas, such as kitchens, lounges, and bedrooms, all designed to maximize usability and foster a sense of community. This configuration not only enhances user experience but also aligns with the organic character of the local environment.

**Materiality and Environmental Context**

The material palette of the Olive Tree House combines reinforced concrete, glass, and natural stone, each selected for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Reinforced concrete allows for flexible, organic shapes, while extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and illumination within the interiors, creating visual continuity with the exterior landscape. Natural stone is incorporated to establish a tactile connection to the site, grounding the structure firmly within its ecological context.

Considerations for climate and sustainability are reflected in the design, particularly through passive solar strategies. The extensive glazing supports passive heating in cooler months, and thoughtfully designed roof overhangs provide necessary shade during the summer. This approach not only minimizes reliance on mechanical systems but also enhances the overall environmental harmony of the dwelling.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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