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Curvilinear Sanctuary with Raw Stone and Glulam Structure

Authors:
Shafik Kamarulzaman, Azrul Muhamad, Emil Johan Ismail, Taufik Zuhaili Nashrudin
Curvilinear Sanctuary with Raw Stone and Glulam Structure
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A curvilinear form combined with a glulam structure and raw stone elements creates a tranquil sanctuary designed for meditation and communal reflection amidst a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear form enhances natural flow and connection to the landscape.
02
Glulam structural elements provide strength while maintaining a lightweight appearance.
03
Sunken pods within the design create intimate spaces for reflection.
04
Incorporation of local raw stone reinforces ties to the surrounding environment.
05
Amphitheater-like undercroft fosters community engagement and interaction.

Surrounded by trees in a peaceful clearing, the design creates a space for meditation and reflection. The structure features a curvilinear form, moving from open to enclosed areas. This approach fosters a calming atmosphere for visitors seeking solitude and connection with nature.

Design Concept
The main idea behind the design is to guide visitors through different experiences as they move through the space. The entrance starts open, encouraging an initial sense of welcome. As visitors progress, they find themselves in more intimate areas, enhancing feelings of safety and engagement with the surroundings. Incisions placed in the facade allow light to enter while maintaining privacy, promoting a strong relationship between the interior and the natural environment outside.

Material Integration
Careful choices in materials emphasize the connection to the site. Plywood and timber shingles serve as cladding, contributing warmth and texture. The use of local raw stone in the altar and seating helps ground the structure in its landscape, creating a tactile experience for occupants. These materials work together to merge the indoor and outdoor settings.

Structural Elements
The structure relies on glulam beams for its framework, giving it both strength and an organic appearance. These elements support the flowing lines and shapes that define the overall design. Windows with double glazing and aluminum frames let in plenty of natural light, keeping the interior comfortable while enhancing energy efficiency.

Community Engagement
A significant aspect of the space is the undercroft, designed as an amphitheater. This area encourages social interaction while still allowing for personal contemplation. The layout balances individual and group activities, ensuring the space is flexible and adaptable to various uses.

In the center, an altar provides a focal point for reflection. Soft light filters through the openings, creating a peaceful environment that surrounds visitors. The combination of materials and light brings a sense of calm, making the space a true sanctuary for those who enter.

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

`
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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