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Dome-Covered Community Hub with Rammed Earth and Gabion Elements

Authors:
Paola Dalila Martínez Chávez, Jonathán Noé Salazar Anaya, Arely Montes Hurtado
Dome-Covered Community Hub with Rammed Earth and Gabion Elements
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A dome-covered structure constructed with rammed earth and gabion walls creates a functional community hub designed for diverse group activities and interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central dome allows for natural light and nighttime stargazing.
02
Interior garden connected for outdoor activities and enhanced air quality.
03
Spiral hall design supports flexible seating arrangements for diverse gatherings.
04
Strategically placed dry toilets for improved accessibility and maintenance.
05
Buried garden integrates with terrain to optimize natural lighting.

Eco serves as a communal hub designed to facilitate social interaction and connection among its users. Located in an environment conducive to group activities, the design is inspired by the concept of echo, symbolizing the relationships and interactions among community members. The aim is to create adaptable spaces that support various gatherings, workshops, and events, thus enriching the community experience.

Central Hall Configuration

The central hall is shaped in a spiral form, allowing for flexible seating arrangements that can accommodate groups of different sizes. A Yurt-type roof caps the hall, efficiently managing the entry of natural light throughout the day while providing an open, expansive feel. Well-placed windows enhance daylight access and promote air circulation, which contributes to a comfortable indoor climate.

Multipurpose Rooms and Outdoor Connection

Within the structure, multipurpose rooms are included, with one room directly accessing an interior garden. This connection encourages the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces, making it suitable for activities like yoga and workshops that benefit from natural surroundings. The design allows these rooms to serve multiple functions at once, maximizing their utility.

Accessibility and User Experience

Accessibility is a key focus, with dry toilets placed thoughtfully for ease of maintenance and access. The kitchen, oriented toward the north, helps keep temperatures down while providing a functional space for cooking. An exterior hall guides users toward the entrances while providing shade, improving overall accessibility and comfort for the community members.

Natural Elements and Garden Integration

A notable aspect is the dome at the center of the hall, allowing for daylight illumination and evening views of the stars. This feature connects occupants to the natural environment, enhancing the experiential quality of the space. Additionally, a buried garden enclosed by Gabion retaining walls creates a connection between the inside and outside areas, taking advantage of the terrain's natural slope to maximize light and support plant growth.

As light moves through the space, the changing patterns create a unique visual dynamic, adding depth to the atmosphere within Eco.

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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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