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Glass Volumes Integrating Natural Landscapes for Community Engagement

Authors:
Sebastián Ignacio Baldini, Ludmila Micaela| González
Glass Volumes Integrating Natural Landscapes for Community Engagement
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Disaggregated glass volumes emerge from the Icelandic landscape, creating a flexible community space that fosters interaction and growth while respecting the surrounding natural features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Disaggregated volumes allow for flexible spatial organization.
02
Glass elements enhance natural light and visual connectivity.
03
The design is influenced by Iceland's unique natural features.
04
Integrated areas encourage community interaction and engagement.
05
Adaptability supports future growth and changing user needs.

The design is located in the diverse landscape of Iceland, where it aims to connect with the surrounding environment. The building serves multiple functions, ensuring that it meets the needs of the community. The main idea is to create a space that encourages movement and interaction through its thoughtful layout and design approach.

Dispersed Program and Circulation

The design emphasizes a dispersed program that promotes clear circulation among its various functional areas. This layout encourages easy movement, allowing people to move smoothly from one space to another. By prioritizing user interaction, the design fosters a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.



Disaggregated Volumes and Adaptability

A key aspect of the design is the use of disaggregated volumes. These volumes are arranged in a way that allows for future growth and adaptability. This flexibility is important, as it ensures that the space can respond to changing community needs over time. Each volume contributes to an open and accessible environment, making it easier for people to navigate.



Materiality and Spatial Experience

The project features a dual-material approach, with glass utilized in both horizontal and vertical ways. This choice of material enhances the views of the natural surroundings and allows ample light to fill the interior spaces. By doing so, the design blurs the lines between inside and outside, creating a rich atmosphere that invites exploration and engagement.



Functional Layout

The layout includes various functional spaces, such as access points, an auditorium, offices, coworking areas, a coffee shop, and a versatile space that can adapt as needed. Each area serves specific community purposes while contributing to the overall organization of the design. The placement of these spaces encourages social interaction, reinforcing a sense of community and connection.



The design culminates in a cohesive form that rises naturally from the landscape, establishing a clear relationship between the building and its environment.

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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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