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Exploring Echoes Within Ellipsoid Voids in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Habeeb Muhammad
Exploring Echoes Within Ellipsoid Voids in a Natural Landscape
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The ellipsoid void at the center of two leaning parallel walls facilitates a dynamic acoustic experience in a visitor center purposefully designed for exploration and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ellipsoid void enhances spatial flexibility and visitor engagement.
02
Two parallel walls create a dynamic visual experience and guide movement.
03
The design fosters an interactive acoustic environment through unique echo properties.
04
Twisting staircase reveals the surrounding landscape progressively.
05
Focus on connecting built space with the natural environment enhances exploration.

The visitor center located next to the tower features a modern design focused on creating a welcoming experience for visitors. Set against a backdrop that likely includes natural rock formations, the center is designed to foster connection and community. The concept centers on two parallel walls with an ellipsoid void, which allows for a multifunctional space while encouraging social interaction among users.

Design Elements

The visitor center's configuration highlights the relationship between the two sloping walls that rise from the ground. These walls lean toward and away from each other, creating visual interest and guiding people through the space. Inside, a winding staircase provides access to the upper platform and invites exploration. Visitors experience a gradual unveiling of the surrounding landscape as they move upward, making each step feel like a small adventure.

Spatial Experience

Within the center, the unique design creates an interesting acoustic effect. The echo generated by the walls contrasts with the quiet of the outside, adding depth to the visitor experience. This relationship between sound and silence makes walking through the space both relaxing and engaging. It fosters a connection between the shelter of the built environment and the openness of nature just beyond it.

Materiality and Light

Although specific materials are not mentioned, the design implies a thoughtful approach to material choices that complement both the structure and its setting. Light filters through the ellipsoid void, creating patterns of shadow and brightness throughout the day. This variation enhances how the interior space is perceived and experienced by visitors, making it feel dynamic and alive.

The design encourages movement and exploration as it leads visitors towards the caves nearby. Each aspect of the center connects people to the building and the landscape, highlighting the relationship between the built environment and nature.

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