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Pyramid-Shaped Structure Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Reinforced Concrete in a Revitalized Cold War Bunker

Pyramid-Shaped Structure Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Reinforced Concrete in a Revitalized Cold War Bunker
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Constructed within a repurposed Cold War bunker, the pyramid-shaped structure employs reinforced concrete and photovoltaic panels to create a multifunctional community space that blends history with sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed within a decommissioned Cold War bunker, the design integrates historical elements with modern functionality.
02
The pyramid shape optimizes natural light and energy efficiency through strategic solar panel placement.
03
Reinforced concrete forms the primary structure, ensuring durability and support for multifunctional spaces.
04
Landscaped pathways connect outdoor areas, promoting community interaction and engagement.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for diverse uses, from educational facilities to recreational spaces.

### Overview

The Data Pyramids project reimagines a collection of former military bunkers from the Cold War era, specifically those linked to NATO, revitalizing these spaces for contemporary use through an innovative architectural design. Located in a historically significant region, the project aims to create multifunctional environments that cater to educational, community, and sustainable needs, reflecting the integration of technology and modern societal demands.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The design features a flexible spatial configuration that accommodates a variety of functions, including residential units, co-working spaces, art galleries, and educational facilities. This adaptability enhances the building's utility, allowing it to serve as a community hub focused on social engagement and creative expression. Pathways are designed to weave through the surrounding landscape, promoting interaction among users and fostering connections within the community. Open fields designated for recreational and cultural activities further enhance the site's role as a center for social cohesion.

### Sustainable Materiality and Energy Efficiency

Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving the project’s sustainability goals. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability while reflecting the robust nature of the original bunkers. Extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light, facilitating a connection to the outdoors. Steel components provide structural support while enabling lightweight construction for cantilevers and roofing. Photovoltaic panels have been strategically integrated into the sloped roof design to maximize solar energy capture, reinforcing the commitment to energy self-sufficiency. Additionally, timber finishes contribute warmth and a human touch to the overall aesthetic, balancing the industrial materials with an inviting ambiance.

This architectural endeavor acknowledges its historical context by preserving significant features of the existing structures, weaving together the past and present through thoughtful design.

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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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