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Elevated Structure with Hybrid Solar Panels and Natural Cork for Community Wellness

Authors:
Miguel ángel Ruiz De Temiño, Guillermo Ráfales
Elevated Structure with Hybrid Solar Panels and Natural Cork for Community Wellness
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An elevated structure utilizing hybrid solar panels and natural cork integrates seamlessly into the landscape, promoting community wellness through dedicated yoga spaces and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga room is centrally positioned to enhance community interaction.
02
Natural cork insulation is used for efficient environmental performance.
03
Elevation of the structure allows for interaction with surrounding trees.
04
Hybrid solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency for the building.
05
A rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management practices.

The Path Center is designed to promote wellness and reflection, providing a space for yoga practice and community engagement. Located in a tranquil setting, the project blends with its natural surroundings. The design focuses on the journey to personal well-being, emphasizing how individuals connect with nature and with each other.

Central Space Design

The yoga room is the main focus of the Center, carefully situated to highlight its importance. This room encourages both individual meditation and group activities, fostering a sense of community. The design allows for easy movement through the space, facilitating a connection between indoors and outdoors, which enhances the overall experience for users.

Sustainability Strategies

The architectural design incorporates sustainable features through both passive and active methods. Large windows facing south maximize natural light, helping to reduce the need for heating in colder months. The north side is well-insulated to minimize heat loss, while overhanging eaves protect the interior from excessive sun during summer. These strategies create a comfortable environment year-round.

Water Management Systems

Efficient water management is a key aspect of the design. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in a tank, allowing for responsible usage throughout the building. Dry toilets contribute to water conservation by reducing overall water use while creating compost for gardens. Greywater from sinks and showers is treated in a small pond that uses plants to filter and improve water quality.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for the Center play an important role in its function and aesthetics. Hybrid solar panels are used to generate energy, while ceramic tiles, natural cork insulation, wooden structures, and clay plaster support the overall design. Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation impacts and strengthens connections to the surrounding environment.

Elevated above the ground, the structure offers views of the trees and landscape. This height provides a peaceful setting that encourages users to engage in personal reflection and growth, enhancing their overall experience while at the Center.

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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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