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Reflective Glass Facade Harmonizing with Staggered Layouts and Natural Timber Elements
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A reflective glass facade seamlessly integrates with a staggered, open layout of timber elements, creating a tranquil residential space that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass panels create a dynamic interplay with the forest, enhancing the structure's integration with its surroundings.
02
Staggered floor levels provide varied sightlines, promoting spatial complexity and natural light diffusion.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, enhancing sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer a unique texture while improving fire resistance and durability.
05
The bent A-frame design adds visual interest and maximizes interior volume while maintaining a compact footprint.

### Overview

Located within a forest clearing, The Gate House represents a nuanced approach to architectural design that emphasizes integration with the natural environment. Drawing inspiration from traditional glass houses, the structure seeks to merge contemporary aesthetics with the serene qualities of its surroundings. Its design fosters a sense of transparency and lightness, effectively encouraging a dialogue between the interior spaces and the external landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The floor plan of The Gate House features a multi-level layout characterized by staggered floor configurations and open spaces. This organization facilitates a fluid experience, allowing occupants to engage with various areas of the home while maintaining an ongoing connection to nature. Expansive glazing enhances the interior with natural light, which shifts throughout the day, thus enriching the atmosphere. The building’s approach is carefully considered to lead visitors through the landscape, cumulatively heightening the transition from the natural environment to the architectural space.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Key materials used in the construction of The Gate House include a predominance of glass for the exterior, which not only provides unobstructed views but also reflects the surrounding forest, minimizing visual disruption. Timber elements contribute warmth to the interior, while steel offers the necessary structural support for the expansive glass panels. Concrete is utilized for the foundation and pathways, ensuring durability, while composite materials are likely included to enhance insulation and energy efficiency, underscoring the project’s sustainable ambitions. The reflective glass not only serves aesthetic purposes but also actively engages with the surroundings, allowing the structure to appear as a dynamic participant in its ecosystem.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

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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