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Lightwell Integration and Textured Concrete in a Jerusalem Residence

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Lightwell Integration and Textured Concrete in a Jerusalem Residence
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Utilizing carefully designed light wells and textured concrete, the residence in Jerusalem establishes a harmonious link between its spiritual environment and intimate living spaces, serving as a contemplative home for a religious couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence incorporates triangular openings that optimize natural light and enhance views.
02
Using textured concrete, the façade establishes a unique tactile experience.
03
A carefully integrated water feature complements the landscape and symbolizes purification.
04
Strategic landscaping with native flora is designed for low maintenance and environmental harmony.
05
The design prioritizes communal space while fostering private areas for contemplation.

### Overview
Situated in Jerusalem, the residence entitled "Per Aspera ad Astra" has been designed to reflect the spiritual and environmental context of the area, catering specifically to a religious couple. The project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the inhabitants and their surroundings, incorporating features that promote spiritual reflection and a profound connection to nature. The architectural design weaves together the elements of light and shadow to embody themes of introspection and serenity.

### Spatial Organization
The layout reflects an organic flow that is responsive to the site's topography. Central to the design is a triangular floor plan that optimizes views of the landscape, including the Vatican, emphasizing the religious significance of the location. Key spaces include a communal living room that encourages interaction while also inviting moments of solitude, as well as private areas such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, which are thoughtfully integrated to foster both intimacy and connection. Outdoor spaces, including a pool and garden, are designed as extensions of the interior, offering settings for leisure and contemplation amidst native vegetation.

### Material Selection and Environmental Connection
Material selection is purposeful, drawing from local resources to cultivate a spiritual atmosphere. Textured concrete forms create reflective surfaces that engage with light, while glass openings enable uninterrupted views and natural light influx. The use of natural stone aligns with the local geology, providing tactile comfort, and wood elements introduce warmth into the living environment. The design maintains an earthy and neutral palette, ensuring visual integration with the surrounding desert landscape. The manipulation of light through strategically placed openings and light wells further enhances the spiritual quality of the residence, fostering a dynamic interplay of illumination throughout the interior spaces.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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