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Diagonal Facades Create Unique Reading Spaces in Timber Structure

Author:
Moritz Koch
Diagonal Facades Create Unique Reading Spaces in Timber Structure
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With its diagonal facades and natural wood elements, the reading space integrates seamlessly into its surroundings while providing an inviting environment for community engagement and literacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual reading environments allow for private and communal reading experiences.
02
Large windows create an airy atmosphere and enhance natural light throughout the space.
03
The entry design resembles a golden ratio, promoting seamless transitions for users.
04
Modular connections enable flexibility and expansion for various community uses.
05
Wooden materials ensure weatherproof functionality year-round while enhancing aesthetics.

THE COVER is an architectural project that uses geometry in an interesting way. Located in public areas like parks and pedestrian paths, it functions as a reading space that promotes literacy and community interaction. The design is based on a simple cube shape, balancing form and function effectively to create an inviting environment.

Form and Function

The cube serves as the main geometric element, with diagonal cuts on each side creating both solid and void spaces. This design choice enhances the use of space while also supporting the overall idea of the project. The dark roof, featuring an opening to the sky, resembles an open book cover, linking the building to its purpose of providing a place for reading.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the reading rooms are laid out to make the best use of their compact size. The entry is designed to guide visitors smoothly from the outside to the inside, using principles similar to the golden ratio. This helps foster interaction while allowing people to appreciate the architecture from different angles, creating a connection with both the space and nature around it.

Natural Lighting and Environment

Large windows play an important role in this design. They let in plenty of natural light and help blend the inside with the outdoors. When opened, these windows create an airy feeling that enhances the reading experience. The symmetrical layout, coupled with different facades, gives visitors distinct visual experiences as they approach the structure.

Materiality and Sustainability

Wood is the primary material used, offering both durability and warmth. This material choice supports the functionality of the building, making it weatherproof and usable throughout the year. The special quality of the wood not only enhances the space aesthetically but also contributes to sustainability.

Finally, the design encourages flexibility. Different units can connect to create a larger arrangement that supports various reading activities.

Standing in its environment, THE COVER provides a laid-back yet purposeful space that invites everyone to explore the world of reading.

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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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