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Long Table and Natural Wood Create Comfort in Lakeside Community

Authors:
Ewelina Trzybińska, Dominika Ratajczyk
Long Table and Natural Wood Create Comfort in Lakeside Community
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A long communal table made of natural wood anchors this lakeside facility, promoting connection and support for terminally ill patients seeking comfort and community in their final days.
5 key facts about this project
01
A long communal table at the center encourages shared meals and gatherings.
02
The facility integrates outer terraces for direct access to nature.
03
Large windows frame views of the Wisła River, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
04
Wood and shingle materials evoke a traditional lake house aesthetic.
05
Two distinct wings allow for a clear separation of public and private functions.

The project is located on the outskirts of Płock, Poland, along the banks of the Wisła River. Designed for terminally ill patients, it focuses on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home. The location enhances the connection between the facility and the natural environment, promoting a sense of peace and comfort for residents.

Design Concept

Central to the design is the concept of home, represented in the main gathering space. This area features a long table that can accommodate twenty people, encouraging shared meals and interaction among residents. The colorful chairs around the table enhance the welcoming feel of the environment. This layout is vital for fostering a sense of community and support among patients.



Spatial Organization

The building is organized into a core section with two wings, allowing for a clear separation of public and private areas. One wing includes therapy rooms, nurse's stations, and a chapel, while the other contains technical spaces, bathrooms, and a library. This arrangement ensures that essential services are easily accessible, while also maintaining a calm and restorative atmosphere for residents.



Connection to Outdoors

Outer terraces are integrated into the design at the ends of each wing, offering spaces for residents to connect with nature. These areas are important for emotional well-being and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Large windows in the main room bring in natural light and offer expansive views of the Wisła River, enhancing the relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.



Materiality

The building uses wood and shingle, creating a warm and inviting character. These materials contribute not only to the structure but also to the overall ambiance of the space. Their use reflects the intention to create a nurturing environment that supports healing and connection within the community.

The design is highlighted by large windows that allow natural light to fill the interior, framing views of the peaceful river landscape and reinforcing a strong connection to the outside world.

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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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