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Rammed Earth Retreat with Corten Steel Framing and Artistic Spaces

Authors:
Delia Maguire, Nathan Power
Rammed Earth Retreat with Corten Steel Framing and Artistic Spaces
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Constructed with rammed earth and framed in corten steel, the design harmonizes with its olive grove setting while providing dedicated spaces for artistic expression and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Corten steel elements provide durability and integrate with the natural landscape.
03
Yoga studio positioned above workshops offers expansive views of the surroundings.
04
Stained glass details add color while enriching the artistic atmosphere.
05
Residences are partially underground to minimize energy consumption and visibility.

The design is set within an olive grove, emphasizing a strong connection to the natural landscape. The project includes three main areas: a hostel, an artist’s workshop and yoga studio, and residences for artists. The design principle is to create structures that blend harmoniously with the environment, allowing them to coexist with the natural surroundings while fostering creativity and community among users.

Hostel
The hostel features 20 rooms, each designed for two occupants. These rooms are arranged over two floors. A central atrium and dining space serve as gathering points, encouraging interaction among guests. Each room opens to terrace areas that provide views of the grove, which enhances the outdoor experience. The design employs natural elements to manage temperature, ensuring warmth in winter and fresh air in summer through passive solar techniques.

Workshops
The workshops are aimed at facilitating artistic endeavors and incorporate dedicated spaces for yoga and collaborative work. Positioned above the main workshop areas, the yoga studio offers broad views, enriching the atmosphere for practice and relaxation. Stained glass features in the design, bringing color and liveliness to the interiors, thus appealing to the artistic community using these spaces.

Artist Residences
The residences are designed to maintain a low profile, minimizing visibility from the surrounding town. Each unit contains two bedrooms and a bathroom, promoting comfort and functionality. Built partially underground, these homes help regulate temperature naturally, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Windows are strategically placed to capture sunlight during winter while allowing for cross-ventilation in warmer weather, supporting a pleasant indoor climate.

Rammed earth and corten steel are used in various structural details to enhance the aesthetic quality of the design. These materials contribute to the overall environmental approach and strengthen the connection between the built structures and the olive grove. Their textures echo the landscape, creating an intimate relationship between the architecture and nature.

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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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