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Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection

Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection
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An egg-shaped structure employs gyroscopic stability and insulated panels to provide a mobile shelter designed for safety during volcanic eruptions.
5 key facts about this project
01
An egg shape enhances structural integrity against seismic forces.
02
Gyroscopic mechanism maintains balance during volcanic activity.
03
Insulated panels provide thermal efficiency in extreme conditions.
04
Modular design allows for rapid relocation via helicopter.
05
Inflatable airbags absorb impacts and enhance occupant safety.

### Overview
The RESCU.E.GG project is situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an area notably affected by volcanic activity from Mount Merapi. The design centers on an egg-shaped shelter known as the "Rescue Egg," intended to provide a secure refuge during volcanic eruptions. This project focuses on both protection and mobility by integrating advanced engineering solutions with a form reflective of the surrounding landscape's dynamics.

### Structural Resilience
The egg shape is pivotal to the project, symbolizing protection while enhancing structural integrity against external forces. The design employs principles of resilience, utilizing the natural curvature of the egg to effectively distribute stress and maintain stability during seismic events. This approach addresses the urgent need for a rapid-response solution in geologically active zones, enabling the structure to be relocated via helicopter, thereby improving emergency responsiveness.

### Material Selection
Material choices are critical in ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Key components include:

- **Kingpan Insulated Panels**: Providing thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
- **Gyroscopic Mechanism**: Ensuring balance during ground movement due to natural events.
- **Airbag Structures**: Offering shock absorption for additional safety.
- **Elastic Egg Shell**: Designed for resilience against environmental extremes.

These materials collectively contribute to a lightweight and durable protective shell, optimizing quick deployment in emergency situations.

### Functional Layout
The internal design prioritizes space optimization and basic human needs. The microhome features two levels, accommodating designated areas for:

- **Sleeping Quarters**: Configured for both individual and communal use.
- **Pantry and Storage**: Facilitating resource management during crises.
- **Sanitation Facilities**: Promoting hygiene with essential wash areas.

The design fosters efficient circulation, enabling swift access to crucial functions within the shelter.

### Innovative Safety Features
A distinctive aspect of the design is the integration of a gyroscopic system that maintains equilibrium amid external disturbances. This mechanism, combined with airbag technology, enhances occupant safety by absorbing shocks and preserving structural integrity. The focus on resilience and mobility in the architectural approach facilitates air transport and rapid relocation during emergencies.

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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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