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Elevated Solitude in Glass and White Walls for Artistic Retreat

Author:
Mohamed Emara
Elevated Solitude in Glass and White Walls for Artistic Retreat
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Elevated above the landscape, the first-floor residence combines limited openings and white walls with a ground-level home characterized by extensive glass, creating a reflective environment tailored for artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ground-level residence integrates with existing vegetation for natural harmony.
02
First-floor design prioritizes privacy with limited openings for controlled views.
03
Extensive glass enhances internal light and connection to the landscape.
04
White walls in the first-floor residence provide a neutral backdrop for creativity.
05
Dual residences support contrasting artistic experiences of solitude and engagement.

The design is located in the Latvian countryside and aims to create a living environment for artists. It serves as a temporary residence, providing space for creative work while connecting to the natural surroundings. The main idea is to support the relationship between the artist and their environment, showing how the design can influence creativity.

Dual Residences

Two residences make up the design, each offering a different experience for its users. The ground-level residence features an open layout that connects well with the landscape. Large glass windows create a feeling of openness and allow natural light to fill the space. This design encourages a strong connection between indoor activities and the outside world, inviting artists to engage with their environment easily.

Introverted Space

In contrast, the first-floor residence has a more private character. Elevated above the ground-level home, it includes fewer windows, controlling what residents can see. This choice emphasizes privacy and quiet reflection. The white walls create a calming atmosphere, enabling artists to focus on their creative work without distractions. This space encourages solitude, ideal for deep thinking and introspective practices.

User Experience

The two residences highlight different ways of living and working. While the ground-level home promotes interaction with nature and neighbors, the first-floor space allows for time alone. This mix of openness and privacy caters to varying artistic needs and preferences. By providing these two options, the design supports different styles of creativity.

Design Outcome

Materials play a role in achieving the design goals. The extensive glass in the ground-level residence enhances visibility and strengthens the connection to nature. On the other hand, the predominantly white walls of the first-floor residence create a neutral backdrop that fosters focus. Together, these elements illustrate how thoughtful design can influence and nurture an artist's work.

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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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