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Natural Light and Wood Spirals Creating Community Engagement

Authors:
Giuseppe Vultaggio, Weiwei Mao
Natural Light and Wood Spirals Creating Community Engagement
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A large circular skylight illuminates the central community space, which is organized around two distinct wood spirals, fostering interaction and wellness through various events and activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features two distinct spirals that define its spatial organization.
02
The central area is illuminated by a large circular skylight allowing natural light to flood in.
03
The design incorporates two entrances for improved accessibility and flow.
04
The color palette is inspired by the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual harmony.
05
Wood is the primary material, emphasizing sustainability in construction.

The Spirala Community House is located in a lively area that promotes social interaction and collaboration among its users. Designed as a versatile space, it brings people together for various activities, including celebrations, workshops, and wellness practices such as yoga and meditation. The overall design focuses on creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages community involvement.

Design Concept

A key element of the building’s design is the use of two spirals with different sizes. These spirals organize the internal spaces and help guide movement throughout the structure. This configuration supports the flow of people as they move from one area to another, making the building easy to navigate and accessible for everyone. The design puts user experience at the forefront, contributing to a welcoming environment.

Spatial Organization

Two entrances lead into the community house, connecting the outside world with the central space. One entrance provides direct access to service areas, enhancing the building's functionality. The thoughtful placement of these entrances improves the flow of movement, making it easy for visitors to enter and engage with the space from the moment they arrive.

Natural Light and Materiality

Natural light plays an important role in shaping the experience within the building. The central area features a large circular opening in the roof that includes prefabricated skylights. This allows sunlight to pour in, creating a bright and pleasant environment. Wood is the primary material used in construction, reflecting a focus on environmentally friendly design and sustainability.

Visual Connection to Landscape

The color scheme of the Spirala Community House draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, using shades of green and yellow that harmonize with nature, along with various blues that evoke the sky and water. This careful choice of colors enhances the building’s visual appeal and strengthens its connection to the environment, creating a cohesive experience for the users.

Light filters gently through the circular opening in the central space, casting dynamic patterns that shift throughout the day, adding a layer of interest and warmth to the community atmosphere.

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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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