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Linen-Draped Spaces Embracing Solitude and Community Interaction

Authors:
Georgia Temush, Tim Schmidt, Bennet Harvey
Linen-Draped Spaces Embracing Solitude and Community Interaction
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Linen curtains diffuse natural light across narrow passageways, leading visitors from moments of solitude to a central hearth that fosters community engagement within a memorial space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Narrow passageways encourage personal journeys and interactions among visitors.
02
Linen curtains create dynamic lighting effects that change throughout the day.
03
A central hearth serves as a communal gathering point within the memorial.
04
The design incorporates water elements to promote reflection and tranquility.
05
A sloped roof frames an expansive horizon view, connecting visitors to the outside.

Home, Away is a project focused on building intergenerational connections within a memorial setting. It highlights the experiences of elderly individuals and encourages visitors to engage with these narratives. The design seeks to create a space where solitude and intimacy coexist, allowing for deep reflection and interaction. By inviting people to consider their own journeys, the project aims to foster understanding between generations.

Narrow passageways play a crucial role in the overall design. As two strangers navigate these routes, they encounter each other in a shared space. These passageways serve as a metaphor for the personal paths people take in life. The experience begins with a choice of passage, symbolizing the decisions that shape individual journeys.

The sloped roof frames a view of the horizon, adding a visual connection to the outside environment. This feature enhances the spatial experience, allowing a sense of openness. It encourages dialogue that extends beyond the structure, providing moments for contemplation inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Inside, linen curtains are significant elements. They diffuse light and create a play of shadows throughout the memorial. As visitors move, the atmosphere changes, enhancing the intimate nature of their experience. This shifting environment invites deeper reflection and personal connection to the themes presented.

At the heart of the design is a central hearth. This welcoming feature serves as a gathering point for visitors, fostering interaction and community. The warmth generated by the hearth symbolizes shared experiences and encourages people to connect with one another.

To exit, visitors follow a central pathway that was previously hidden behind curtains. This journey emphasizes the personal transformation during their time in the space. As they move forward, individuals carry a blend of solitude and shared understanding with them. The thoughtful design culminates in a meaningful experience, encouraging reflection on aging and community just before stepping back into the world outside.

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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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