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Reflective Facade of Recycled Glass with Cross-Laminated Shelter in a Secure Haven

Author:
Adriana Toader
Reflective Facade of Recycled Glass with Cross-Laminated Shelter in a Secure Haven
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Constructed with cross-laminated panels and clad in recycled mirror glass, the design creates a reflective facade that fosters introspection and safety, serving as a secure refuge for its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls made from cross-laminated insulated panels provide strength and energy efficiency.
02
Exterior features recycled mirror glass that reflects the surrounding environment.
03
Rotating fins adjust for light and privacy while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
04
A platform lift within the shower offers direct access to the roof garden.
05
The layout includes specific zones for cooking, working, and introspection.

INNER SANCTUM is designed as a refuge in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing safety, self-reflection, and sustainable living. The concept focuses on providing a secure environment that allows occupants to engage deeply with both their internal and external settings. The layout encourages a redefined relationship with the surrounding world, prioritizing comfort and security amid uncertainty.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout consists of carefully defined zones that serve specific purposes: cooking, living, working, sleeping, WC/shower, storage, courtyard, and roof garden. This thoughtful arrangement maximizes functionality while ensuring that personal and communal spaces are effectively integrated. The roof garden not only beautifies the environment but also aids in rainwater collection, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices in design.

Materiality

The choice of materials contributes significantly to the identity of INNER SANCTUM. Walls are constructed from cross-laminated insulated panels, which provide structural strength and improve energy efficiency. The exterior features recycled mirror glass taken from office buildings, which helps the structure to blend into its surroundings. Visible timber battens are used for the courtyard walls, giving a warm and natural feel to the overall design.

Design Features

Key design elements enhance the living experience by making spaces more versatile. The double-glazed doors are designed to stack neatly, allowing the interior areas to be opened up for more fluid movement. A living desk that can convert into a larger dining table demonstrates the need for multifunctionality in modern homes. Additionally, a platform lift is incorporated within the shower area, providing easy access to the roof garden and creating a direct connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architectural Elements

The design includes rotating fins, which not only serve as a functional element but also enrich the aesthetic appeal. On the inside, these fins have a reflective mirror finish, while their outer surfaces are matte black. This contrast helps manage light and privacy for the inhabitants, enhancing the overall comfort of the living spaces. These elements are not just visually intriguing; they also serve practical purposes, showing an understanding of how architecture can respond to both form and function.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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