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Curvilinear Glass Facade over Reinforced Concrete Offering Creative Sanctuary for Artists

Author:
Lang Li
Curvilinear Glass Facade over Reinforced Concrete Offering Creative Sanctuary for Artists
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A curvilinear glass facade envelops reinforced concrete to create a luminous retreat that accommodates diverse artistic practices and fosters collaboration among creators.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear facade design emphasizes a fluid aesthetic that integrates seamlessly with the urban landscape.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass panels, enhancing the creative environment.
03
Reinforced concrete structure allows for open, flexible interior spaces that support various artistic practices.
04
The retreat includes communal areas fostering collaboration while providing private studio spaces for individual work.
05
Sustainable materials like charred wooden shingles contribute to the building's environmental sensitivity and aesthetic appeal.

## Overview

Located in a densely populated area of Bangkok, the Artists Retreat serves as a dedicated space designed to foster artistic creativity and exploration. The concept emphasizes a "vertical sanctuary," allowing artists to escape from the urban environment and immerse themselves in a setting conducive to artistic expression. The building integrates various spaces that encourage communal interaction alongside individual reflection, achieved through careful spatial arrangement and abundant natural light.

## Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The architectural layout is purposefully organized across multiple levels, each serving distinct functions while maintaining visual and physical connectivity. The basement level is designed for workshops and storage, featuring adaptive spaces that cater to diverse activities. The main level houses galleries and exhibition halls, facilitating interaction between artists and the public, and is illuminated by strategically positioned openings that maximize natural light. Upper levels are designated for individual studios, providing privacy and opportunities for collaboration, with glimpses of the creative processes occurring nearby.

## Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Materials chosen for the Artists Retreat play a pivotal role in achieving both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Large glass panels enhance interior-lighting options and create a transparent dialogue between the indoor and outdoor environments. Reinforced concrete provides necessary structural stability while allowing for sculptural building forms. Aluminum mullions contribute to a modern visual identity, and the use of smooth, matte finishes fosters a calming atmosphere that supports creativity. The building's integration of natural light and sustainable material choices minimizes its environmental footprint, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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