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Embracing Natural Light Through Solar Access Along a Verdant Trail

Authors:
Katie Handy, Dinesh Perera, Madison Brenner, Jaime Reid
Embracing Natural Light Through Solar Access Along a Verdant Trail
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Utilizing solar access and a verdant trail, the design creates a seamless connection with the natural landscape while providing a functional public space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates optimal solar access for enhanced natural lighting.
02
Features distinct circulation routes for improved public interaction.
03
Emphasizes a connection with the landscape through a verdant trail.
04
Promotes community engagement with easily accessible entry points.
05
Designed with careful orientation to support wayfinding and usability.

“Fern Arroyo” represents a careful approach to blending natural landscapes with community needs in an urban setting. The design seeks to improve user experiences through green pathways that encourage connection with the environment. The project focuses on sustainability and well-being while providing clear routes for movement within the space.

Orientation and Circulation

The layout employs an orientation plan marked as “ORIENTATION N S ONE-WAY,” which helps users find their way easily. This well-defined directional system is key to managing traffic flow in busy areas. Circulation routes, detailed as "CIRCULATION ON ARROYO SECTION - EAST" and "CIRCULATION ON ARROYO SECTION - WEST," allow for smooth transitions between different areas, enhancing the accessibility of the overall environment.

Solar Access

Attention to environmental efficiency is clear in the design’s focus on solar access, highlighted by "SOLAR ACCESS" and "NOON SUNLIGHT." These elements demonstrate the purposeful use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination. The design aims to flood spaces with sunlight, creating bright, welcoming areas that promote a strong connection to the outdoors throughout the day.

Public Interaction

The commitment to public access underscores the design's focus on inclusivity. Designing for straightforward entry points encourages community participation and invites people from various backgrounds to use the space. This focus on accessibility ensures that the area serves as a vibrant hub, fostering social connections and engagement rather than just a passageway.

With these design aspects, "Fern Arroyo" reflects a philosophy geared toward sustainability and community engagement. The continuous flow of the green trail invites exploration, encouraging users to interact with their surroundings and creating a lively urban area that both serves practical needs and enhances everyday life.

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

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