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Solar-Integrated Metal Facade with Collaborative Workspace in Historic Graz

Solar-Integrated Metal Facade with Collaborative Workspace in Historic Graz
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A distinctive solar-integrated metal facade marries contemporary workspace needs with the historical context of Graz, creating an efficient environment that fosters collaboration and productivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
A solar-integrated roof design enhances energy efficiency while maintaining architectural aesthetics.
02
The façade features a unique combination of glass and metal that reflects the surrounding urban landscape.
03
A flexible floor plan accommodates various work styles, promoting collaboration and productivity.
04
Historic elements are thoughtfully integrated with modern materials in a contextual design approach.
05
Sustainably sourced timber paneling adds warmth and texture to the interior spaces.

### Overview

The Office Center E.T. 1.0 is located in Graz, Austria, and represents a strategic architectural intervention aimed at integrating contemporary design with the historical context of the site. The project reinterprets an existing historic building in a highly frequented public space, enhancing urban vibrancy while ensuring modern functionality. The key focus is on contextualizing new elements that respect heritage and contribute to the overall urban experience.

### Conceptual Framework

The design framework emphasizes a respectful dialogue between historical and contemporary architectural elements. The new rooftop extension serves as a bridge, artistically linking the traditional aspects of the original structure to modern design principles. This extension is characterized by its distinctive form and use of contemporary materials, which interact dynamically with the existing building. The office workspace has been reconfigured to maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration while acknowledging and amplifying the site's historic character.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A diverse palette of materials is employed throughout the project, each chosen to reflect both the historical roots and the demands of modern technology. Glass is extensively used in the façade and interiors to enhance transparency and natural light. The metal roofing contributes durability and contemporary aesthetics, while special solar panels integrated into the design support energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable building practices. Concrete provides structural stability, enabling the new additions, while decorative materials are selected to connect visually with the original architecture.

The design of the Office Center E.T. 1.0 prioritizes sustainability and community engagement, illustrating a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint through innovative adaptations. The juxtaposition of modern and historic styles facilitates a cultural dialogue, inviting interaction among users and enhancing the surrounding urban fabric. The project exemplifies adaptive reuse principles, successfully transforming an existing structure into a functional and engaging modern workspace.

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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.

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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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