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Geothermal Cylinder with Modular Wooden Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Lou Vincent De Lestrade, Léa Samson, Solène Pasztor
Geothermal Cylinder with Modular Wooden Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes
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The central cylinder rises amidst modular wooden terraces, harnessing geothermal energy to provide a self-sufficient lighthouse that invites exploration and interaction with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The lighthouse features an innovative central cylinder that enhances vertical movement.
02
Modular wooden terraces allow for direct interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Geothermal energy systems ensure the building's self-sufficiency.
04
Inclined windows provide unique sightlines to both the sky and nearby caves.
05
Cubic volumes within the structure accommodate diverse functional spaces.

The Inland Lighthouse is a modern structure that revisits the role of lighthouses, situated prominently within a natural landscape. It functions as a guide for visitors and seafarers alike while also providing spaces for exploration and interaction with the environment. The overall design centers on a combination of geometric shapes that promote stability and establish a connection between the building and its surroundings.

Design Elements

The design features three main shapes: a triangle, cubes, and a central cylinder. The triangular form stands as the primary structure, representing stability and strength. Surrounding it are cubic volumes, which symbolize the Earth and accommodate various functional spaces within the building. This organization allows for a well-thought-out layout that serves the needs of visitors.

Vertical Connectivity

The central cylinder plays a crucial role in connecting different levels of the lighthouse. This vertical element invites visitors to ascend and take in the views from above. Moving through the space becomes an experience, allowing people to feel a connection to both the sky and the land below. It encourages exploration and interaction with the structure itself, enhancing the overall experience.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Geothermal energy systems are integrated into the building, using natural resources for lighting and water management. The configuration of the lighthouse allows snow collected on the terraces to be turned into water, making it self-sufficient. This careful approach to resource management reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Visitor Experience

The design includes outdoor terraces that enhance the visitor experience, encouraging people to engage with the surrounding landscape. Positioned to create sightlines both down into the caves and up to the sky, the windows offer dynamic views. The pathways, made of wooden and steel slabs, guide visitors safely through the site. This attention to detail promotes exploration while ensuring a sense of security.

Through these carefully considered elements, the Inland Lighthouse redefines the traditional concept of a lighthouse. It creates a space that combines function with a friendly atmosphere, inviting people to reflect and discover as they engage with the natural world. The relationship between form, movement, and sustainability creates a unique environment that respects and engages with its context.

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

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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
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