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Interconnected Squares Embracing Local Materials and Nature

Authors:
Myriam De Mesa Amores, Pol Fernández Fernández
Interconnected Squares Embracing Local Materials and Nature
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Rooted in the landscape, three interconnected squares utilize local materials to foster community interaction and provide versatile spaces for hospitality and creative work.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three interconnected squares designed to enhance community interaction.
02
Adaptable modules allow flexible use according to seasonal population changes.
03
Strategic positioning optimizes solar energy collection for thermal comfort.
04
Local materials reflect regional aesthetics and foster environmental integration.
05
Dedicated spaces for art and workshops promote creative engagement.

LACUNAS offers an insightful exploration of how empty spaces can be transformed into functional areas. Located in a landscape that combines both natural and built elements, the design creates interconnected squares for community and individual use. The name "LACUNAS" comes from a Latin word meaning "blank spaces," highlighting the project's foundation in utilizing these voids effectively. Each square has its own unique shape and purpose, encouraging social interactions while blending into the surrounding environment.

Design Concept

The core idea of LACUNAS revolves around using open spaces creatively. The design features three chained squares that not only connect but also serve different purposes. This arrangement supports various activities, improving community engagement. The layout is carefully designed to make the most of the site’s topography and orientation, ensuring effective solar energy capture. This attention to positioning is especially important for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures in the colder months.

Functional Zoning

On the ground floor, there is a mix of uses that include hotel rooms, community spaces, a yoga center, workshops, co-working areas, and exhibition spaces. This variety allows the design to accommodate different needs, supporting both solo and communal activities. The first floor expands these offerings with more hotel room options, hostal accommodations, and duplexes designed for artists, further enriching the range of spaces available for living and working.

Contextual Integration

LACUNAS aims to connect with the local architecture and landscape in a meaningful way. While specific materials are not mentioned, the choices made will reflect the regional aesthetic, contributing to a sense of place. This alignment with local design principles enhances the overall experience and emphasizes continuity with the existing built environment. Additionally, its strategic location not only in La Coma but also near La Puebla de Fantova strengthens ties to the surrounding community.

The design encourages exploration and interaction, featuring spaces that facilitate connections among users. Each area thoughtfully invites individuals to engage with the environment and with one another. It creates an experience where private and public realms can coexist harmoniously, allowing nature and community life to come together.

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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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