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Galvanized Steel and Pine Wood Cabins Emphasizing Community and Connection to Nature

Authors:
Carlos Montes González, Francisco Javier Fernandez García
Galvanized Steel and Pine Wood Cabins Emphasizing Community and Connection to Nature
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Constructed from galvanized steel and natural pine wood, the design emphasizes modular living and community interaction while maintaining an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape through its multifunctional spaces for meditation and social gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using modular elements for easy assembly and disassembly.
02
Features a façade of mobile panels that allows for adjustable light and privacy.
03
Incorporates solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainability.
04
Uses high-performance safety glass to enhance indoor-outdoor connections.
05
Designed with interconnected spaces that promote community interaction and reflection.

The project explores the concept of "open source," focusing on the complex relationship between society and nature. Situated in a natural environment, it aims to create spaces for inspiration and meditation. The design is adaptable, promoting a way of living that aligns with the surrounding landscape. Flexibility and community engagement are at the core, allowing the spaces to evolve according to the needs of the users.

Design Framework
The approach is modular and flexible, featuring interconnected areas such as halls, galleries, libraries, living rooms, meditation rooms, shared kitchens, and ateliers. This layout supports a variety of activities and encourages social interaction. At the same time, it provides private areas for personal reflection and quiet moments.

Materiality and Structure
Natural pine wood and galvanized steel sheets are key materials in the design. These materials contribute to the building's strength and aesthetic appeal. The use of layered roofs and floors helps regulate indoor temperatures, offering protection from external weather conditions. Safety glass is incorporated into the facades, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while creating a strong connection to the outdoor environment.

Construction Methodology
Built in a factory setting, the construction process emphasizes precision and reduces environmental impact on site. The design consists of pillars and beams that ensure stability. The exterior features mobile panels made of corrugated galvanized steel, which control light and privacy. This method of construction also streamlines logistics and enhances the overall expression of the architecture.

Sustainable Features
Solar panels are integrated into the design, addressing energy efficiency and promoting self-sufficiency. The project highlights a commitment to sustainability with features that are ecologically sensitive. It reflects a contemporary understanding of modular living, which prioritizes resource efficiency and environmental harmony.

One notable design element is the extensive use of glass, which facilitates a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This incorporation of light creates an atmosphere that invites users to engage with their natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

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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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