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Feathered Textile Canopy Overlooking Dune-Scape Gathering Space Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber

Author:
Dave Edwards
Feathered Textile Canopy Overlooking Dune-Scape Gathering Space Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber
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A feathered textile canopy integrates with dune-scape walls, creating an open gathering space that emphasizes thermal comfort and environmental sensitivity, designed for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Feathered textile canopy enhances thermal performance while allowing natural light penetration.
02
Dune-scape walls mimic natural topography, creating a cohesive relationship with the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer weather resistance and a unique aesthetic quality.
05
Viewing terraces strategically positioned to maximize sightlines over the surrounding environment.

The architectural design project presents an innovative approach to integrating built environments with natural landscapes. It emphasizes a seamless interaction between the structure and its surroundings, resulting in a comprehensive design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project is characterized by its unique geometric forms and an emphasis on materiality that enhances user experience while respecting environmental considerations.

Unique Features of the Architectural Design

A notable aspect of this project is the folded feathered fabric that serves as a roof structure. This element functions primarily to provide shade and ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort within the spaces. The material choices, which include advanced 3D printed textiles, embody contemporary technological applications in architecture, providing flexibility and adaptable design solutions. This layer not only protects against the elements but also establishes a dynamic visual interaction with the landscape.

The incorporation of viewing terraces is another significant feature, designed to offer multiple vantage points over the surrounding environment. These terraces are essential in promoting engagement, allowing users to connect with the landscape at various heights, thus fostering a deeper appreciation of the natural context.

The design also utilizes dune-scape walls, shaping the spatial organization of public gathering areas. These walls act as extensions of the natural terrain, blurring the lines between the architecture and the environment. This consideration of topography is vital in enhancing the cohesion of the project with its geographical setting, leading to a holistic architectural experience.

Material Considerations in the Project

The architectural design employs a range of materials that contribute to both the structural integrity and aesthetic expression of the building. Timber is extensively utilized for its warmth and sustainability, while concrete and steel provide necessary strength and versatility. The combination of these materials facilitates the creation of fluid forms that resonate with the organic contours of the surrounding landscape.

The integration of glass within the design maximizes transparency, fostering a continuous connection between interior and exterior spaces. This strategic use of materials informs the overall visual language of the project, ensuring a consistent dialogue between built and natural environments.

To further explore the complexities of this architectural design project, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas presented in accompanying documents. These elements provide a more in-depth understanding of the design intentions and functional aspects that define this project.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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