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Curvilinear Roof Form Embracing Thermal Brick and Hempcrete for Sustainable Rural Retreat

Authors:
Sucheta Nadig, Guillaume Fillion Lapointe
Curvilinear Roof Form Embracing Thermal Brick and Hempcrete for Sustainable Rural Retreat
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Utilizing curvilinear roof forms and a combination of thermal brick and hempcrete, the design creates a sustainable guest house that harmonizes with its rural landscape while providing inviting communal and introspective spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a curvilinear roof to enhance water management and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates a meditation grotto that fosters introspection within the landscape.
03
Employs hempcrete for its lightweight and sustainable properties.
04
Features a reflection pool that encourages a calming environment.
05
Utilizes extensive glazing to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

### Project Overview
The Furrow is a residential guest house strategically positioned in a tranquil rural landscape, designed to create functional accommodations while enhancing the experience of nature. This project emphasizes a strong relationship between the built environment and its pastoral surroundings, reflecting contemporary architectural practices that prioritize both utility and a connection to the natural world.

### Spatial Connectivity and Design Philosophy
The design prioritizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, exhibiting a south-facing orientation that maximizes natural light and views. This orientation contributes not only to the aesthetic quality of the building but also to its energy efficiency, optimizing natural heating and cooling throughout the seasons. The architecture draws upon traditional farm structures, reinterpreting them with modern materials and design techniques, fostering an immersive experience within its landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A diverse selection of sustainable materials underpins the construction of The Furrow, reflecting a commitment to both durability and environmental responsibility. The use of thermal brick provides natural insulation, while hempcrete contributes to thermal efficiency with a low carbon footprint. Precast concrete beams ensure structural integrity across larger spaces, and terracotta insulated clay blocks enhance thermal performance and moisture resistance. Additionally, wood framing, exposed cork insulation, and hand-troweled lime plaster are employed to create a warm, inviting interior, while expansive glass window systems enhance the spatial connection to the landscape outside.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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