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Metal-Framed Grandstand and Steel Structure Create Flexible Community Reading Space

Authors:
Eduarda Gonçalves, João Victor Felisbino, Maria Helena Tomoscko
Metal-Framed Grandstand and Steel Structure Create Flexible Community Reading Space
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A large bookcase positioned at varying heights and a metal-framed grandstand enhance accessibility and interaction in a flexible community space designed for reading and exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large bookcase designed for community exchange at various heights.
02
Metal-framed grandstand allows flexible seating arrangements.
03
Steel Frame construction minimizes waste and enhances recyclability.
04
Integrated thermal panels improve energy efficiency.
05
Accessible design accommodates users of all abilities.

"A Crack in Time" is designed to strengthen the connection between people and literature. Located in a community-oriented area, it serves as a reading space that encourages accessibility and engagement. The overall design integrates indoor and outdoor elements, creating a friendly environment for exploration and creativity.

Architectural Composition

The building uses a basic geometric shape, a parallelepiped stone. This form supports flexible configurations while keeping a clean and simple appearance. Openings are strategically created to allow light in and connect the inside with the outside, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Functional Spaces

Inside, a multifunctional area accommodates different activities. A wooden table sits at the center, surrounded by solid wooden benches, offering comfortable seating options. Alongside this, a metal-framed grandstand provides easy access to bookshelves, inviting users to explore and interact with the literary offerings.

Community Features

On the exterior, a large bookcase is designed for book exchange. It is placed at various heights to be accessible to all, from children to adults. This design fosters community engagement and enriches the experience for visitors. Additionally, adjustable bicycle stands highlight the focus on accessibility for cyclists, making the site welcoming for everyone.

Sustainability and Structure

The building employs a Steel Frame system, chosen for its capacity to reduce waste during construction and its ability to be recycled. Thermal panels are integrated to improve energy efficiency and cut down on water use in the building process. This thoughtful design approach aims to create a space that is both functional and adaptable, fostering ongoing engagement with literature. The exterior interacts with the surrounding landscape, featuring clear lines and openings that draw the outside in, creating a welcoming and engaging space for the community.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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