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Floating Pavilions Featuring Transparent Glass and Natural Wood Integration for Contemporary Family Living

Floating Pavilions Featuring Transparent Glass and Natural Wood Integration for Contemporary Family Living
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Suspended above tranquil waters, the design integrates transparent glass panels and natural wood to create a seamless connection between interior spaces and nature, serving as a contemporary retreat for a family of four.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating pavilions rest on buoyant foundations, enhancing the relationship with the water.
02
Movable glass panels allow dynamic adjustments to privacy and openness throughout the day.
03
The use of charred wooden shingles provides enhanced durability and aesthetic contrast.
04
Innovative bent A-frame design maximizes spatial efficiency while providing structural integrity.
05
Reflection pools surrounding the pavilions create a serene atmosphere and visual depth.

### Project Overview

Situated on the outskirts of Delhi, India, the House of Pavilions encompasses a contemporary architectural design intended as a serene sanctuary for a family of four. The structure is designed to facilitate a balance between communal engagement and personal retreat, reflecting the diverse needs of modern family living.

### Spatial Configuration

The design features three distinct pavilions—dedicated to sleeping, cooking, and communal dining—arranged to create a cohesive living environment. This layout promotes a fluid interaction among spaces while maintaining individual privacy. Each pavilion is constructed on a buoyant base, giving the impression of floating on a surrounding shallow body of water. Large glass panels allow for flexibility in spatial arrangement, enabling residents to control their level of openness and solitude. The innovative design also includes multiple entry points and corridors to enhance circulation and encourage social interaction.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The architectural expression of the House of Pavilions is defined by a deliberate choice of materials that emphasize transparency and a connection to nature. Key materials include:

- **Glass**: Movable panels enhance adaptability and facilitate an evolving relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.
- **Wood**: Used in structural elements, it contributes warmth and a natural ambiance to the modern aesthetic.
- **Steel**: Provides necessary structural support while ensuring a lightweight composition.
- **Concrete**: Establishes a solid foundation that integrates the pavilions into the landscape.
- **Water**: Functions as a design element, contributing to the tranquility and aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.

The incorporation of reflective pools not only serves an aesthetic role but promotes a harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural context, thereby enhancing the overall living experience.

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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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