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Perforated Metal Screens and Reclaimed Barnwood Enrich Community Facility in South Dakota

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Perforated Metal Screens and Reclaimed Barnwood Enrich Community Facility in South Dakota
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Combining perforated metal screens with reclaimed barnwood siding, this community facility in South Dakota serves essential public amenities while harmonizing with its rural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated metal screens enhance natural light while providing safety and ventilation.
02
Reclaimed barnwood siding connects the facility to local agricultural traditions.
03
Three distinct towers are designed to facilitate easy flow between public amenities.
04
The structure is elevated to minimize site disruption and accommodate natural terrain.
05
A planned mural integrates local artistry, reinforcing community identity and involvement.

### Overview
Located in De Smet, South Dakota, the Tower De Smet serves as both a functional structure and a visual landmark along Highway 14. The design integrates contemporary architectural language with the expansive landscape, presenting a minimal yet striking rectilinear form that complements and contrasts its surroundings.

### Material Selection
A carefully selected material palette enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the tower. Perforated metal panel screens provide structural support while allowing for transparency and lightness. The main structure is comprised of insulated precast concrete panels, offering energy efficiency and durability against local climatic conditions. Reclaimed barnwood siding on insulated stick-framed walls connects the building to its agricultural roots, reinforcing sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials.

### Spatial Organization
The tower is comprised of three distinct sections, each serving different functions, including accessible restrooms and common areas on the ground level. The internal layout is designed to facilitate user experience with multiple entry points and clearly defined pathways that enhance navigation throughout the facility. The building’s form follows the natural contours of the site, integrating existing tree lines to ensure minimal disruption to the landscape while providing natural shade and aesthetic continuity.

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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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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