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Laminated Glass Shelters with Teflon-Coated Protection for Sustainable Living

Author:
Jarett Messina
Laminated Glass Shelters with Teflon-Coated Protection for Sustainable Living
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Constructed with laminated glass and Teflon-coated panels for enhanced safety, the cabin integrates sustainable living solutions like rainwater collection and a hydroponic garden, serving as a compact refuge in a challenging environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with laminated glass for maximum natural light while enhancing security.
02
Features a metal grate deck specifically designed for rainwater collection.
03
Includes a hydroponic garden to support sustainable food production on-site.
04
Teflon-coated panels provide additional protection against environmental threats.
05
The articulated base allows stable support on various terrains for increased adaptability.

The Crystal Cabin is designed for modern survivalists, situated in a setting that echoes the uncertainties of a post-apocalyptic world. It functions as a compact, self-sufficient home that blends practicality with a sense of comfort. The overall design concept emphasizes security, adaptability, and sustainable living, addressing the requirements of people looking for refuge in a challenging environment.

Materials and Transparency

Laminated glass is used for the walls, allowing natural light to fill the interior while maintaining safety. This choice creates a connection between the inside and outside, helping residents feel aware of their surroundings while remaining protected. Full-height glass doors enhance accessibility and provide easy movement between the living spaces and the deck.



Sustainability Features

The design includes an expansive deck equipped with a metal grate that collects rainwater. This feature exemplifies a focus on resource management, allowing residents to make functional use of natural elements. The inclusion of a hydroponic garden within the cabin supports food production on-site, making it easier to sustain daily needs without relying heavily on outside supplies.



Safety and Durability

Safety is a primary concern in the cabin's design. Teflon-coated exterior panels protect against environmental threats such as falling debris. This robust feature ensures the structure remains solid and secure. Heavy-duty stainless steel forms the main structure, offering long-lasting protection against various conditions.



Functional Organization

Inside, the layout is organized to maximize space and efficiency. Ample storage solutions help keep everything in order, even in a compact environment. This design consideration combines comfort with practicality, resulting in a livable space despite size limitations. Climate control systems are incorporated to manage temperature, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere in different weather conditions.

A key detail is the articulated base designed to provide stability on various terrains. This function enhances the structure's versatility and makes it suitable for unpredictable living situations.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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