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Reed Thatched Community Space with Concrete Foundations

Authors:
Ila Colley, Dhamintha Wickremasinghe
Reed Thatched Community Space with Concrete Foundations
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A reed thatched roof crowns a concrete structure designed to foster community interaction through versatile dining and exhibition spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reed thatched roof enhances thermal efficiency and ties to local building traditions.
02
Triple-height exhibition halls facilitate visibility and interaction among visitors.
03
Concrete support components provide structural stability while integrating with existing architecture.
04
Communal dining areas promote social engagement and interaction among users.
05
Light wells strategically placed to optimize natural lighting throughout interior spaces.

The design explores the complex relationship between horses and humans, focusing on how this connection informs the creation of functional spaces. Set in a context that encourages interaction, the concept imagines the existing building as a representation of a horse, while proposed extensions act to enhance its overall purpose. The aim is to foster connectivity among users and to create a welcoming environment.

Communication Component

The project uses the idea of a harness as a central theme, particularly its four main components. The communication aspect serves to shape movement within the space, acting like a bridle that directs how people navigate through various areas. This design enables a fluid interaction, where visitors can engage with both the architecture and each other, promoting a lively atmosphere.



Draft Component

The draft component emphasizes communal spaces, where social activities can thrive. Areas are designed for gathering, enhancing opportunities for interaction and collaboration among users. This thoughtful arrangement encourages a sense of community, allowing for shared experiences within the architecture.



Support and Stopping and Backing Component

The support component provides stability while connecting old and new structures cohesively. A prominent concrete element is incorporated into the design, grounding the overall composition. Meanwhile, the stopping and backing component introduces flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to user needs and activities throughout the day.



Regional Influences and Design Details

The use of a reed thatch roof ties the project to local building traditions. This choice not only provides effective insulation but also balances the existing heavier concrete forms with a lighter appearance.

Ample natural light enters the building through well-placed light wells. This feature brightens key areas, creating a warm atmosphere that invites occupants to interact with their surroundings. The design details reflect a deeper understanding of organic forms, reinforcing the connection to the theme of horse anatomy.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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