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Fluid Forms of Steel and Glass Enveloping a Coastal Community Hub

Fluid Forms of Steel and Glass Enveloping a Coastal Community Hub
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Wave-inspired volumes of steel and glass create a dynamic coastal hub that fosters community engagement through versatile public spaces and wellness facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wave-inspired architectural form integrates seamlessly with the coastal landscape.
02
Extensive use of glass façades enhances natural light and visual connectivity.
03
Innovative truss system allows for expansive interior spaces without obstructive columns.
04
Public plaza serves as a multifunctional space for community gatherings and events.
05
Sustainable materials carefully selected for resilience against coastal conditions.

## Project Overview
Located on an urban waterfront, the "Sea Waves" development integrates architectural design with the natural movements of ocean waves. The intent is to establish a connection between built structures and the surrounding environment, reflecting the fluidity and rhythm of water through form and function. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with its coastal context, contributing to both aesthetic and functional objectives.

### Spatial Organization
The volumetric strategy employed in the project features segmented forms that echo the periodicity of wave patterns, enhancing both structural efficiency and spatial diversity. By dividing the primary structure at intervals of six meters, the design creates a rhythmic aesthetic while optimizing the distribution of forces. This segmentation allows for a diverse range of internal functional spaces, including cafés, healthcare facilities, and multipurpose rooms, which are strategically located to foster social interaction and community engagement. The internal pathways separate public circulation from main traffic areas, facilitating intuitive wayfinding and maximizing the usability of communal spaces.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials is integral to both the project's functionality and its visual appeal. Structural steel provides durability and flexibility, enabling wide spans and resilient support over water. Expansive glass façades enhance natural lighting and visual connections to the external environment, creating inviting interior atmospheres. Concrete forms the foundational elements, ensuring stability under various environmental conditions, while wooden finishes add warmth and a tactile quality to the interiors. This deliberate material interplay not only reflects the coastal location but also adheres to contemporary architectural language, emphasizing both innovation and sustainability.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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