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Fluid Form Enhanced by Natural Light and Concrete Harmony in a Coastal Performance Space

Fluid Form Enhanced by Natural Light and Concrete Harmony in a Coastal Performance Space
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Crafted with a fluid, oval form and built predominantly from concrete and glass, this coastal venue integrates natural light and panoramic views, serving as a dynamic space for cultural performances and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid oval form enhances acoustics and audience engagement.
02
Seamless integration of panoramic views with performance space.
03
Use of concrete and glass promotes sustainability and durability.
04
Design emphasizes natural light throughout interior spaces.
05
Community-focused layout encourages interaction among visitors.

### Overview

The Sunlight Theater is located on a coastal landscape, designed as a cultural venue that functions as both a performance space and a public gathering area. The design seeks to foster an interaction between art and the natural environment, aiming to engage visitors in a meaningful dialogue with the surrounding landscape.

### Form and Structural Integrity

The theater features a fluid, undulating form that resembles ocean waves, a design choice that enhances acoustics and visual coherence with the maritime context. This oval shape facilitates significant spanning capacity while maintaining structural stability and aesthetic appeal. The integration of concrete for the façade contributes to the building's durability and smoothness, while transparent glass components create bright interiors and reinforce visual connections with the outdoors. The steel truss system further supports the architectural vision, balancing strength with design flexibility.

### User Engagement and Spatial Configuration

Incorporating a unique seating arrangement, the theater's oval-shaped seats promote inclusivity and emotional connection among attendees. This configuration fosters a communal atmosphere, contrasting with traditional theater layouts. Additionally, a strategically placed viewing platform allows audiences to enjoy panoramic vistas of the horizon, enhancing the overall experience with visual layers that complement the performances. A functional service center is seamlessly integrated into the building's design, providing essential support for events while maintaining the venue's aesthetic integrity.

### Sustainability and Environmental Consideration

The design of Sunlight Theater prioritizes sustainability through minimal ground disturbance and adherence to the natural topography of the site. This approach promotes biodiversity and preserves the site's ecological character, ensuring that the development respects and integrates with its coastal environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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

`
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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