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Dynamic Shadow Play Through Natural Stone and Glass in a Circular Residential Layout

Dynamic Shadow Play Through Natural Stone and Glass in a Circular Residential Layout
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A circular layout that harnesses dynamic shadow patterns through expansive glass and natural stone elements enhances the connection between interior and exterior spaces, serving as a contemporary residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout maximizes natural light and promotes community interaction.
02
Dynamic shadow patterns are created through strategic placement of glass panels.
03
Natural stone features anchor communal spaces, enhancing tactile experience.
04
Silhouette concept encourages engagement with changing light throughout the day.
05
Sustainable materials focus on ecological sensitivity and aesthetic harmony.

### Overview

The Nature Silhouette project exemplifies an integration of architectural design with natural landscapes, emphasizing the relationship between built environments and their surroundings. Situated in a context conducive to light and shadow interplay, the intent is to create a stimulating environment that allows for personal reflection and interaction with nature, using silhouette-inspired forms to foster creativity and connection.

### Spatial Organization and Community Focus

The spatial layout features a circular configuration that encourages fluid movement and social interaction. The design includes a centralized communal area anchored by a pool-like structure, serving as the focal point of the home. This space is surrounded by rooms that radiate outward, providing both shared social environments and private zones for relaxation. Large glass windows are thoughtfully positioned to enhance natural views and maximize light entry, facilitating a continuous connection to the exterior while enabling dynamic shadow play throughout varying times of day.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability while promoting a tactile relationship with the environment. Concrete is employed for structural components, presenting a minimalist character that complements organic forms. Glass is extensively used for windows, contributing to an open and inviting atmosphere. Natural stone features prominently in the central gathering space, offering a grounding presence that reinforces the integration of natural materials. Additionally, wood is incorporated in furnishings, enhancing warmth and comfort within the interior spaces. Each material is selected not solely for its durability and aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolic alignment with the project's ethos of coexistence with nature.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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