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Reflection Pools and Clerestory Windows Enhance Sustainable Living

Author:
Troy Aday
Reflection Pools and Clerestory Windows Enhance Sustainable Living
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Reflecting natural light through expansive clerestory windows and integrating serene reflection pools, the design achieves a balance of sustainability and aesthetic harmony in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflection pools enhance light diffusion and create a serene ambiance.
02
Clerestory windows enable passive ventilation while maintaining privacy.
03
Solar panels supply energy for household functions and water circulation.
04
Drought-tolerant landscaping conserves water and supports local ecology.
05
The fire pit serves as a focal point for evening gatherings and warmth.

The Reflection Home is set in Newberry Springs, California, designed as a residence that emphasizes sustainability and connection to the surrounding landscape. The concept focuses on using natural light and passive environmental techniques, which create both an inviting and functional living space. The interaction of indoor and outdoor areas serves as a key element, showcasing how built spaces can harmonize with the natural environment.

Maximized Natural Light

The home features large glass walls on the east and west sides that allow plenty of natural light to fill the interior. This design choice ensures bright living spaces during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Reflection pools along these glass walls enhance the sunlight, lighting up the interior with a calming glow that changes as the sun moves across the sky.

Passive Ventilation Strategies

To meet California's energy goals for 2030, the Reflection Home uses smart passive ventilation methods. Open clerestory windows on both sides of the house help hot air escape while inviting cooler breezes from the reflection pools inside. By promoting airflow, the design keeps the living spaces comfortable without using mechanical cooling systems. This aspect reflects a careful approach to sustainable living.

Sustainable Materials and Energy Solutions

The roof is fitted with solar panels that generate energy for essential household functions, including running the reflection pools and appliances. This integration of renewable energy resources emphasizes the commitment to sustainability. Drought-resistant trees also play a role, helping to conserve water while enhancing the outdoor spaces.

An elevated fire pit serves as a gathering spot in the evenings. Its warm light reflects off the white ceiling, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interaction between light and water towards the end of the day captures a peaceful environment, adapting well to both the natural setting and the needs of those who live there.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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