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Moonlight Reflection Enhancing Creativity in a High-Performance Glazing Retreat

Authors:
Sila Yilmaz, Pedro Javier Bermudez Fernández
Moonlight Reflection Enhancing Creativity in a High-Performance Glazing Retreat
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Capturing moonlight through high-performance glazing, this retreat in the Higher Vosges serves as an inspiring haven for a writing couple, seamlessly blending comfort and creativity with its strategic connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates moonlight reflection from the adjacent lake into the living space.
02
L-shaped courtyard enhances both privacy and outdoor engagement.
03
High-performance glazing provides optimal light control and thermal efficiency.
04
Design responds to seasonal weather patterns, enhancing sensory experiences.
05
Strategically positioned windows optimize daylight throughout the day.

LUNA is a home designed for a writing couple, located in the picturesque area of Higher Vosges, France, near Lake Gérardmer. The design focuses on creating a space that enhances creativity and connects deeply with the surrounding landscape. Built to serve as both a living space and a source of inspiration, the home's layout is guided by its context, harmonizing indoor life with nature outside.

Spatial Organization

The layout is intentionally crafted to maximize the flow of natural light throughout the home. Living spaces are arranged according to the sun's path, which allows for ample daylight, especially during warm summer months. This thoughtful arrangement not only provides comfort but also supports the couple’s writing practices. Areas for work and gathering blend seamlessly, encouraging interaction and inspiration.

Material Considerations

While the presentation does not specify all materials used, the design suggests the incorporation of high-performance glazing for the windows. This choice supports the entry of natural light while managing heat and glare effectively. Each window is designed to be double-glazed, which enhances insulation and keeps the interior comfortable. The presence of adjustable blinds offers flexibility, allowing residents to control the amount of light they wish to have in their space.

Integration of Light and Environment

A notable aspect of LUNA is how it takes advantage of both sunlight and moonlight. The central part of the home captures moonlight reflected from the nearby lake, creating a calming atmosphere at night. This unique feature promotes a gentle interplay of light that changes with each phase of the moon. It encourages a connection to the night and enhances the emotional depth of the living environment, which is beneficial for the creative work being done inside.

Acoustic and Sensory Experience

The design also considers the auditory environment created by local weather patterns, such as the rain. The sound of rain contributes to a peaceful setting, enhancing the reflective mood that suits writing. The experience of fresh scents during and after rainfall adds another layer to the sensory environment. Together, these elements foster a backdrop that nurtures creativity and supports a focused mindset for the couple.

At night, the home's thoughtful design translates natural light into a calming interior experience, enabling the couple to engage deeply with their surroundings while pursuing their writing ambitions.

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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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