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Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment

Authors:
Richelle Sibolboro, Cole Barkman, Nevena Niagolova, Alex Wilton
Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment
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Constructed with natural stone and large glass facades, this community-oriented space fosters interaction and exploration while prioritizing child-centric activities and environmental engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates large glass facades to maximize natural light and connection with the surrounding environment.
02
Features a community garden designed to enhance ecological education and awareness among visitors.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic that complements the landscape.
04
Incorporates interactive play structures made from eco-friendly materials to encourage child engagement and exploration.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to create open, flowing interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity.

### Concept Overview

"River Runs Through" is situated near the Mirroring River and is designed to create a meaningful connection between natural elements and community activities, especially focused on children and families. The intent is to cultivate an environment that promotes creativity and social interaction through designed spaces for exploratory play and communal engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout features multiple distinct zones, each catering to specific activities and interactions. The design incorporates a flowing river that acts as both a physical and symbolic conduit, linking various areas dedicated to different themes:

1. **Play**: This zone encourages children's exploration and creativity, fostering instinctual engagement.

2. **Gather**: Designed as a communal hub, this area facilitates social interactions and relationships through diverse activities.

3. **Support**: This section focuses on skill development and mentorship opportunities, enriching the user experience.

4. **Explore**: Aimed at encouraging discovery and learning, this area enhances visitor experiences.

5. **Stilcope**: Serving as a meditative space, it offers opportunities for reflection and rejuvenation amidst nature.

6. **Exhale**: This area promotes relaxation, integrating natural features to evoke calmness.

7. **Garden**: Engaging visitors with local flora and fauna, this space raises environmental awareness.

### Materiality

The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and their integration with the surrounding landscape.

- **Natural Stone**: Employed to reinforce organic forms and provide a sense of permanence, establishing a connection between the built environment and nature.

- **Wood**: Used for structural elements, adding warmth and a tactile quality that enhances visitor comfort.

- **Glass**: Its extensive use facilitates transparency, allowing for a harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor environments.

- **Colored Acrylics and Resins**: These materials feature in artistic installations that stimulate curiosity and creativity in younger visitors.

- **Eco-Friendly Plastics**: Specialized variations may be used for playful design elements, contributing to the interactive nature of the spaces.

The design of "River Runs Through" reflects a comprehensive understanding of its ecological context, ensuring that the structure integrates seamlessly with the landscape while promoting diverse interactions among users.

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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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