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Reclaimed Bricks and Courtyard Walls in a Radial Guest House Design

Author:
Harri Ahonen
Reclaimed Bricks and Courtyard Walls in a Radial Guest House Design
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Radial guest house designed with reclaimed bricks and heat-insulated blocks, anchored by a central courtyard that fosters community while providing individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial layout enhances communal interaction while providing private views.
02
Use of reclaimed bricks preserves local architectural heritage.
03
Heat-insulated blocks improve energy efficiency and comfort.
04
Large glass walls facilitate a strong connection to the outdoors.
05
Central courtyard promotes social engagement and accessibility.

The guest house is located in a cultivated plain, surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. It serves as a communal living facility, designed with a concept that connects the building to its surrounding landscape. The layout consists of separate units that are arranged in a radial pattern around a central courtyard. This design promotes both community engagement and individual privacy, helping to blend the natural environment with the built forms.

Design Arrangement

The guest house features individual units that radiate from the central courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy a variety of views. Each apartment has a unique sightline towards the picturesque vineyards, hill towns, and mountains in the distance. The design includes varying room heights that create an open feel and invite ample natural light into each space.

Circulation and Access

Residents access their apartments through a welcoming common courtyard, which serves as a space for social interaction. Utility areas are strategically placed at the lower parts of each unit, ensuring functional living. The main living areas, including the kitchenette and bedroom, are located on the perimeter of the building. This design choice encourages a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, made possible by large glass walls.

Materials and Sustainability

The construction employs various materials selected for durability and sustainability. The building frames are made of masonry, while the upper areas and floor consist of cast concrete. Brick tiles add visual appeal to the flooring. The outer walls use heat-insulated blocks, finished with plaster above and brickwork below. Reclaimed bricks from buildings set for demolition will be used for wall cladding and courtyard walls, along with repurposed roof tiles. This strategy not only honors local architectural heritage but also embodies environmentally responsible practices.

Architectural Details

Each unit includes its own private outdoor space, thoughtfully bordered by shrubs and walls for added privacy. Shade from pergolas enhances the outdoor areas, particularly those adjacent to bedrooms. The design includes communal spaces, such as a wine tasting room and a small kitchen for dining. This arrangement creates opportunities for social interactions among residents, enriching the experience of living in the guest house. Each design element works together to provide a balanced living environment, connecting inhabitants to the natural landscape while offering comfortable and functional spaces.

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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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