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Natural Light and White Glass in a Community-Focused Educational Renovation

Author:
Jing Wong
Natural Light and White Glass in a Community-Focused Educational Renovation
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The use of white glass and a preserved historical facade enhances natural light flow throughout the renovated community-focused school, promoting connectivity and engagement within its educational spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Preservation of the east staircase maintains historical character.
02
Integration of white glass enhances natural light throughout the building.
03
Artist workshop connects directly to the exhibition hall, fostering collaboration.
04
Community spaces are strategically located to maximize interaction and engagement.
05
Use of Low-E glass contributes to energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

The renovation of Omuli Primary School is an effort to revitalize an existing historical building while adapting it for modern educational purposes. Located in an area rich with context, the project aims to maintain the character of the original structure while introducing new features that enhance functionality. The design concept focuses on preservation and improvement, ensuring the school serves its community effectively.

Preservation of Historical Elements
The renovation carefully retains the original building's key features, including the exterior facade, east staircase, and indoor chimneys. This focus on preservation connects the past with the present, allowing the school to keep its historical significance while adapting to new needs. By maintaining these elements, the project honors the architectural heritage of the region.

Modern Spatial Configuration
The layout enhances connectivity and interaction within the school. The design incorporates the concept of "slices," which improves lighting and ventilation throughout the interior. Public spaces are placed primarily in the southern part of the building to maximize natural light. This thoughtful arrangement creates a welcoming environment that establishes a strong link between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

Material Selection
Specific materials have been chosen to optimize the building's performance. The renovation includes 6 mm white glass spacers and Low-E glass, which work together to control heat and light levels. Additionally, the integration of 9 mm argon gas within the glazing system helps improve insulation. These material choices support energy efficiency and the overall sustainability of the school environment.

Artistic Integration and Community Engagement
The design encourages community interaction through various interconnected spaces, including the artist workshop and Omuli Museum. These areas foster collaboration and creativity, making the building a hub for artistic expression. Architectural sections highlight how these spaces interact, enhancing movement throughout the different levels of the school.

The interplay of light within the renovated spaces creates a dynamic atmosphere that encourages users to engage with both the historical and new aspects of 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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