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Galvanized Steel and Glass Facade Enhanced by Natural Wood Elements in Multi-Functional Community Space

Author:
Giusy Mazzarella
Galvanized Steel and Glass Facade Enhanced by Natural Wood Elements in Multi-Functional Community Space
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Employing a facade of galvanized steel and expansive glass in synergy with natural wood elements, this multi-functional community space serves as a sustainable gathering point that fosters interaction while seamlessly integrating with its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facilitates passive cooling through strategically placed openings in the glass facade.
02
Integrates solar panels into the roof design for energy efficiency.
03
Features a central open staircase to enhance vertical connectivity and user interaction.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Utilizes natural wood finishes throughout interior spaces for warmth and tactile engagement.

The Lantern represents an innovative architectural design situated within the North Vinazele Subsphere Reserve. This multi-story structure embodies the principles of modern architecture while emphasizing sustainability and the integration of natural elements. The design focuses on transparency, allowing occupants to connect visually with the surrounding landscape. The building acts as both a functional space and a visual landmark, employing a thoughtful approach to materials and form to achieve its goals.

The primary function of The Lantern is to serve as a flexible space accommodating various activities, including communal gatherings, workspace integration, and observation points. Each floor is dedicated to distinct uses, promoting versatility in how the space is utilized. Natural light plays a significant role in enhancing the internal environment, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Material usage in The Lantern is critical to its architectural success. The predominant use of glass permits an abundance of daylight while providing unobstructed views of the landscape. The structural framework of galvanized steel adds robustness without compromising the building's lightweight appearance. Reinforced concrete ensures the foundation's durability. Natural wood is incorporated within interior spaces, introducing warmth and a tactile experience for occupants. Additionally, solar panels are integrated into the roof design, reflecting the project’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.

A unique aspect of The Lantern lies in its emphasis on transparency and lightness. The facade consists of an interplay of columns and glass that allows the environment to remain a focal point, reinforcing the building's connection to nature. This design approach creates a seamless interaction between the built environment and natural surroundings, a feature not commonly found in urban architectural projects. Furthermore, the vertical circulation is designed as an open staircase, promoting interaction and movement throughout the building, further enhancing the communal experience.

The integration of outdoor spaces is another significant characteristic of The Lantern. Balconies and terraces extend living areas into the landscape, providing users with opportunities to engage with nature. Strategic landscaping complements the structure, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a harmonious relationship with its setting. This thoughtful integration ensures that the building does not merely occupy space but instead enhances the area’s ecological and aesthetic value.

Readers interested in a comprehensive understanding of The Lantern are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and designs. These elements provide deeper insights into the project’s layout, materials, and innovative design strategies, illustrating how The Lantern stands out in contemporary architectural discourse.

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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.

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