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Mirror-Clad Structure Connecting Nature Through Native Wood Elements

Author:
Jiang Wang
Mirror-Clad Structure Connecting Nature Through Native Wood Elements
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A mirror-clad facade reflects its surroundings while a native wood interior creates a warm atmosphere, aimed at fostering communal engagement and leisure activities within a multi-functional space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirror-clad facade minimizes visual impact by reflecting the surrounding landscape.
02
Native wood siding enhances the warmth and comfort of interior spaces.
03
The design features a tall volume with expansive windows to maximize natural light.
04
A flexible theater room allows for various configurations based on user needs.
05
The elevated base helps preserve the existing natural landscape and ecology.

The design features a contemporary structure that thoughtfully engages with its surroundings. Located in a natural setting, the building serves both communal and recreational purposes. The concept revolves around the use of geometric forms, with two rectangular volumes, one rotated 90 degrees, creating a transition from tall to low spaces.

Design Structure

The building is divided into two main parts. The taller volume contains a large window that brings in natural light, connecting the interior to the outside landscape. This design choice enhances the view and fosters a strong relationship with nature. The lower volume is designed for leisure activities, such as movie viewing, effectively addressing varying user needs while maintaining a coherent overall appearance.

Facade and Location

A notable feature is the mirror-clad facade that reflects the surrounding environment. This material choice reduces the visual impact of the building, allowing it to blend into the landscape. The elevated base also helps minimize effects on the natural ground, conserving the original landscape beneath and ensuring less disruption to the ecology.

Interior Comfort

Inside, native wood siding materials create a welcoming atmosphere. This choice contributes to the warmth of the spaces, adding to the comfort for occupants. The design includes essential areas, such as restrooms and storage, which integrate well into the overall layout to support usability and accessibility across the building.

Flexibility of Spaces

A multi-function room with large windows promotes clear views of the outdoor area, reinforcing the connection to nature. The theater space is designed for flexibility, allowing different configurations depending on user needs. This approach reflects a commitment to functional design, creating spaces that adapt while ensuring a sense of unity throughout.

Light floods the tall area, accentuating the interplay of materials and unique forms present in the design.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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