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Flickering Fire and Reflective Spaces in a Mountain Retreat

Author:
Yian Yang
Flickering Fire and Reflective Spaces in a Mountain Retreat
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With a central fire point and carefully crafted reflective surfaces, the design harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings while serving as a serene retreat for contemplation and gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flickering central fire enhances communal gathering.
02
Reflective surfaces interact with natural light throughout the day.
03
Careful spatial arrangements prioritize moments of solitude.
04
Design harmonizes with the mountain landscape for immersive experiences.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic and protective qualities.

The Fireplace is an architectural design situated in a wide mountain landscape, focusing on the connection between the built environment and the natural world. It serves as a quiet retreat, encouraging visitors to engage in reflection while surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. The overall design concept promotes an immersive experience, integrating architectural elements that align with their surroundings.

Spatial Arrangement

Key spaces within the design foster both personal reflection and community among visitors. A central flickering fire acts as a gathering point, providing warmth and comfort. This arrangement invites people to come together, share moments, and connect with one another in a peaceful setting.

Relationship with Nature

The design emphasizes an engaging relationship with the landscape. Mention of wind and water suggests the potential use of reflective materials, enhancing visual experiences. As light changes throughout the day, the play of shadows and highlights creates a shifting atmosphere, allowing occupants to perceive the architecture in different moods.

Atmosphere and Experience

A feeling of stillness is central to the design, encouraging quiet moments of introspection. Spatial arrangements and views are crafted to promote a sense of calm, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate their surroundings. This focus on tranquility aligns with the aim of connecting people to the natural environment.

The Fireplace is designed to blend with its setting, featuring elements that resonate with the surrounding landscape. The choice of natural materials is likely a consideration, aiming to enhance the sensory experience for visitors. Each detail reflects an effort to create a harmonious relationship between the building and the wilderness.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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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