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Embracing Nature Through Elevated Spaces and Private Gardens

Author:
Dohyun Kim
Embracing Nature Through Elevated Spaces and Private Gardens
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With its elevated spaces and integrated private gardens, this suburban residence creates a seamless connection to the outdoors while maintaining functionality for individuals or couples seeking a compact living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The house incorporates a private garden directly accessible from the sleeping area.
02
An open garden seamlessly connects to the living space, promoting outdoor engagement.
03
Variations in floor levels create distinct visual dynamics within the interior.
04
The architecture emphasizes compact living solutions without sacrificing comfort.
05
Integrating natural surroundings enhances the residents' daily experience with nature.

The Small House Embracing the Secret Gardens is set in a suburban area, designed for individuals or couples who value a strong connection with nature. The overall design concept focuses on maximizing space while ensuring the essential functions of a home. With an emphasis on blending indoor and outdoor living, the house provides a calm and welcoming environment, ideal for relaxation.

Layout and Spatial Arrangement

The layout includes two key external areas: a private garden that connects to the sleeping area and an open garden linked to the living area. This setup expands the livable space outside, encouraging a close relationship between the occupants and the natural environment. Access to these green spaces enriches everyday life and promotes outdoor activity.

Architectural Form and Dynamics

The design features variations in floor levels and roof heights, creating both visual interest and dynamic living experiences. This approach alters how people perceive the space, allowing the architecture to take on an artistic quality that feels engaging. These changes in elevation not only enhance aesthetics but also play a role in how light moves through the rooms, affecting the overall atmosphere at different times of the day.

Functional Integration

Functionality is carefully considered throughout the design process. Essential elements are organized efficiently within a minimal area, simplifying household management while maintaining comfort. This focus on utility ensures that the living environment meets the needs of its occupants without feeling cramped or overwhelming.

The integration of gardens is a crucial feature, inviting residents to interact with their surroundings. By placing greenery alongside key living areas, the design encourages a sense of calm and well-being. The connection between the interior and the gardens serves as a reminder of nature's presence, enriching the experience of daily life.

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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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