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Privacy Walls and Digital Spaces in a Spherical Retreat

Authors:
Hanna Hajda, Urszula Sędziak
Privacy Walls and Digital Spaces in a Spherical Retreat
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With walls that function as firewalls and a flexible spherical layout, this design embraces privacy within an interactive space that supports diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls serve as firewalls, enhancing digital security.
02
Spherical form allows for dynamic spatial organization.
03
Design supports a blend of work, leisure, and social activities.
04
Navigation through spaces is facilitated by a digital interface.
05
Incorporates privacy as a core element of user experience.

The Virtual House reimagines residential living through the lens of augmented reality. It introduces a spherical design that represents both flexibility and adaptability in how spaces can be organized. By prioritizing user autonomy, it creates an environment where individuals shape their experiences and engage with various activities. Reflecting modern lifestyle needs, the approach distinguishes itself from traditional residential designs.

Spatial Organization

The layout of The Virtual House departs from conventional structures by removing corridors and rigid spatial separations. Instead, the design employs a navigation system that helps users move easily throughout the space. This layout empowers individuals to decide how they want to interact with their surroundings, whether for work, leisure, or hosting gatherings. Each area serves multiple functions, promoting efficiency in day-to-day life.

Privacy and Security

With privacy being a critical concern in today's digital world, the design includes walls that act as firewalls, integrating architectural features with necessary security measures. This dual function enhances the user's protection while maintaining a sense of openness within the space. By addressing modern cybersecurity challenges, the design emphasizes the importance of safety in an evolving digital environment.

Aesthetic Considerations

The visual style draws inspiration from early digital aesthetics. This connection creates an environment that feels both familiar and modern. It is designed to encourage interaction while providing comfort and a sense of belonging. The balance between technological elements and basic human needs reflects current living experiences, making the space relatable to its users.

Functional Spaces

Different areas within The Virtual House highlight the integration of technology into everyday tasks. Designated spaces for creative workshops, cooking classes, and data archiving show how digital interactions can blend seamlessly into daily routines. Each area supports specific activities while contributing to the overall flexibility of the design, allowing users to shift between various experiences as they wish.

The design showcases a thoughtful relationship between digital and physical elements, resulting in a space where users can find refuge and adapt their virtual environments to suit their needs and preferences.

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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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