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Gnomon-Centric Design Featuring Concrete and Natural Wood Elements for Community Engagement

Gnomon-Centric Design Featuring Concrete and Natural Wood Elements for Community Engagement
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A central gnomon casts dynamic shadows across circular tables made of natural wood, seamlessly integrating concrete and landscape to foster community interactions in a public meeting space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central gnomon serves as both a timekeeping element and a social focal point.
02
Tables arranged in a circular layout correspond with hour markers on a sundial.
03
Integration of concrete and natural wood enhances the sensory experience.
04
Proximity to water creates a tranquil environment for reflection and engagement.
05
Design encourages user interaction through shifting shadows throughout the day.

### Project Overview

Located adjacent to a body of water, the DYGN Sundial & Meeting Place serves as a multifunctional space that integrates principles of timekeeping with community engagement. Designed to facilitate social interaction and contemplation, this structure employs the concept of a sundial, allowing visitors to engage with both the physical environment and the passage of time. The facility is structured around a circular layout that incorporates communal areas, inviting public use and reflection.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

At the heart of the design is the central gnomon, a triangular spike that serves as the primary reference point for the sundial. Surrounding this element are circular tables arranged to represent the hours of the clock, promoting a natural flow of conversation and activities among users. The seating areas are strategically distributed to accommodate various group sizes and functions, fostering a sense of community while encouraging dynamic interactions. Transition zones smoothly connect the sundial to its waterfront setting, enhancing the spatial experience and inviting exploration.

### Materiality and Contextual Relevance

The material selection emphasizes durability and aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings. Concrete functions as the main structural component, offering longevity, while wood introduces warmth to the surface treatment, improving user comfort. Steel elements, utilized in the gnomon and structural reinforcements, add contemporary strength, complemented by glass features for transparency and environmental integration. This thoughtful combination of materials supports both the functional requirements of the space and its visual identity, promoting a cohesive relationship with the landscape.

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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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