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Dynamic Glass Facade Integrated with Natural Stone and Ecological Water Garden in a Multimodal Transport Hub

Dynamic Glass Facade Integrated with Natural Stone and Ecological Water Garden in a Multimodal Transport Hub
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A dynamic glass facade harmoniously blends with natural stone and an integrated water garden, redefining a multimodal transport hub to enhance public accessibility and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic glass facade adjusts transparency based on daylight.
02
Includes a human-scale ecological water garden for biodiversity.
03
Natural stone elements connect the design to the site's history.
04
Multiple distinct entry points enhance pedestrian flow and accessibility.
05
Sustainable materials incorporate recycled composites for reduced impact.

### Project Overview
Located in New York City, the initiative to revitalize Penn Station addresses the evolving demands of urban transit. The design intends to enhance accessibility, aesthetic quality, and functional efficiency while respecting the site's historical significance. Through its architectural framework, the project aims to establish a modern identity for this critical transportation hub.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The design employs a geometric layout characterized by angular forms and dynamic lines that reflect the movement inherent in a transit environment. A series of clearly defined entry points facilitate pedestrian flow while improving visibility and accessibility. These distinct pathways are strategically planned to engage with the surrounding urban fabric, ensuring that the station not only serves as a transit point but also functions as a social gathering space.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability and a contemporary appearance. Extensive use of glass in the façade allows natural light to permeate the interior, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel reinforces structural resilience, enabling large open areas, while natural stone elements preserve the historic character of the station. The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and eco-friendly finishes to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the project features a water garden that promotes biodiversity and offers a tranquil environment, underscoring the commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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