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Operable Roofs and Cozy Fires in Intimate Shelters

Authors:
David Scurry, Nicholas Coates
Operable Roofs and Cozy Fires in Intimate Shelters
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Operable roofs and a communal fireplace define the intimate shelters that provide unique spaces for relaxation and social interaction amidst a serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Operable roofs allow for direct stargazing from the elevated room.
02
The design features a communal fireplace that encourages social gatherings.
03
Narrow windows frame specific views, guiding occupants’ focus on the landscape.
04
A hot tub is integrated into the upward section, enhancing relaxation.
05
Spatial transitions create a narrative journey through the different shelters.

The project "In, Out, Up" is situated in a simple landscape that emphasizes the connection between nature and human experience. It consists of a series of distinct shelters, each offering a different way for occupants to interact with their surroundings. The design revolves around the themes of "In," "Out," and "Up," creating spaces that cater to varying needs for social connection, relaxation, and contemplation.

A Room for Fire and Water

This design incorporates two contrasting elements within one shelter. One side of the room focuses on the warmth and social aspect of a burning fire, providing a cozy atmosphere for gathering. The other side features a hot tub, creating a space for relaxation away from the world. By placing fire and water in proximity, the design allows occupants to experience different senses of shelter and engagement, highlighting the balance between these opposing forces.

A Room for Endless Views

Built on an incline, the next shelter leads occupants downward through a pathway into a more intimate space. The journey begins with a narrow window that offers a glimpse of the outside view. As one moves through the hallway, they arrive at a larger room that boasts full-length windows and a bench, framing the view of the valley. This thoughtful layout encourages movement through constricted spaces into wider ones, deepening the connection to the surrounding landscape.

A Room for Stargazing

The final structure invites occupants to ascend to an elevated room through a ladder leading upward. A key feature is the operable roof, which operates with a pulley system to open up to the sky above. This allows occupants to transition from an enclosed space to an open one, connecting them with the stars and night sky. The act of stargazing becomes a central experience, reinforcing the relationship between the people inside and the universe outside.

Overall, the arrangement of each shelter fosters a strong connection between design and setting. Features like expansive windows and operable roofs allow for direct interactions with the environment. Each design offers a unique experience shaped by the principles of space and functionality, helping occupants engage meaningfully with their surroundings.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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