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Reflective Pools and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Space Built with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Framework

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Reflective Pools and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Space Built with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Framework
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Incorporating reflective pools and vertical gardens, this space utilizes reinforced concrete and steel framework to create a multifunctional cultural hub that fosters community interaction and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive reflective pools to enhance natural light throughout the interior.
02
Integrates vertical gardens designed to improve local biodiversity and air quality.
03
Features a combination of reinforced concrete and steel framework for structural integrity.
04
Utilizes adaptive reuse principles by repurposing an existing water plant infrastructure.
05
Creates fluid, interconnected pathways that encourage user interaction across the site.

## Overview

The project repurposes an obsolete water plant into a multifunctional cultural hub, enhancing community engagement and environmental awareness. Located in a specific region that emphasizes the significance of water in urban settings, the design strategically interweaves built form with natural elements, reflecting the complex relationship between users and their environment.

### Water-Centric Spatial Strategy

A defining characteristic of the design is its integration of water as a key element in the spatial organization. Pathways and platforms extend over the water, creating the sensation of floating and encouraging interaction. Pools and channels are incorporated throughout the site, serving both aesthetic and ecological functions while inviting users to engage deeply with the water surroundings. The overall layout features circular and organic shapes that promote fluid movement, with designated spaces for leisure, education, and community gatherings strategically positioned along the water’s edge.

### Material Selection and Natural Integration

The project's material palette is fundamental to both structural integrity and the visual impact of the space. Reinforced concrete provides durability for foundational elements, while a steel framework supports graceful roof arches that resonate with the reflective qualities of water. Extensive glass facades maximize natural light and foster transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. An emphasis on tactile connections is achieved through the use of natural stone for landscaping and wooden elements, which introduce warmth to seating areas. Additionally, thoughtfully integrated foliage, vertical gardens, and native plantings not only enhance biodiversity but also soften the urban landscape, promoting ecological sustainability throughout the site.

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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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