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Natural Light Through Perforated Screens and Warm Timber in a Healing Community Space

Natural Light Through Perforated Screens and Warm Timber in a Healing Community Space
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Perforated screens filter natural light into a serene interior adorned with warm timber, creating a supportive environment for individuals navigating the challenges of terminal illness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated screens are integrated to optimize natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Warm timber finishes create a calming and inviting interior atmosphere.
03
A bent A-frame design enhances structural stability and visual interest.
04
Natural stone pathways connect reflective gardens throughout the site.
05
Adaptive spaces accommodate various therapeutic and communal activities.

## Overview

Located in a serene environment conducive to reflection, the design aims to create a supportive atmosphere for individuals facing terminal illness. The project draws inspiration from Kathleen Dowling Singh's interpretation of the stages of understanding death, emphasizing the need for a space that nurtures emotional and psychological well-being. Through carefully considered spatial arrangements and thoughtful material choices, the intent is to facilitate personal journeys towards acceptance and peace.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout features a central hub that encourages interaction, surrounded by landscaped gardens and secluded areas that offer opportunities for solitude and contemplation. Winding pathways lead through these gardens, guiding individuals along a meditative journey. The integration of communal spaces fosters connection, emphasizing social interaction as a crucial aspect of the healing process. Circular seating arrangements promote dialogue, facilitating shared experiences among visitors.

### Materiality and Light

The selection of materials is integral to the project's overall ethos of healing. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while warm-toned timber introduces a tactile warmth, establishing a connection with nature. Natural stone elements in seating and pathways offer grounding, while expansive glass features allow light to play across interiors, highlighting the dynamic relationship between presence and absence. Perforated screens and strategically positioned windows create evolving light patterns throughout the day, further enhancing the immersive experience. The design also incorporates significant greenery and water features, reinforcing the connection to nature and promoting tranquility.

### Sustainability Considerations

While specific sustainable practices are not detailed, the use of natural materials and the thoughtful integration of the architecture within its landscape reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. This approach underscores the design's aim to harmoniously connect individuals with their surroundings, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and peace.

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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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