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Solar-Powered Community Hub with Plywood Structure and Skylight Design

Authors:
Kemet Floyd, Badr Zabarah
Solar-Powered Community Hub with Plywood Structure and Skylight Design
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The angled roof supports solar collectors while the plywood structure incorporates sliding skylights, creating a sustainable hub for community engagement and accessible literature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses an angled roof to accommodate solar collectors for energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates an easy detachable opening for enhanced accessibility to literature.
03
Features sliding skylight panels that maximize natural light in the reading area.
04
Includes a well-designed drainage system to protect stored literature from water damage.
05
Designed with a modular form to adapt to diverse community environments.

The Book Stop is designed to enhance public access to literature and address the ongoing challenge of limited resources. Located in varied cultural environments, it functions as a communal space dedicated to sharing knowledge. This project balances a modern design with a commitment to creating an inviting atmosphere for readers of all ages.

Modular Design and Accessibility

The design focuses on being accessible and facilitating interaction among users. An easy detachable opening helps people reach the reading space and the literature within it without hassle. This thoughtful approach encourages community members to engage with the space and its contents. Sliding doors that double as skylight panels allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages reading and social interaction.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a significant aspect of the design. The angled roof accommodates solar collectors that provide charging solutions for electronic devices, promoting energy conservation. Additionally, the building includes a drainage system that protects the stored literature from water damage, ensuring that the materials inside remain in good condition. Such features demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendly practices that are important in modern design.

Material Selection

The choice of materials contributes to the structure’s strength and visual appeal. Notable materials include 2"x6"x10" plywood used for supporting panels and 3"x12" metal plates that reinforce durability. Solar power banks supply energy needs while maintaining a balance between functionality and comfort. Practical elements such as a blue mod storage chair and large dry wall screw sets enhance the usability of the space. The project also incorporates a 4"x10" diameter metal bar and metal bike halt racks, integrating everyday functions seamlessly into the design.

The overall composition of The Book Stop allows it to serve as both a shelter for books and a gathering space for the community. The arrangement of various elements prioritizes user experience and fosters a sense of belonging. Thoughtfully placed 2" glazing optimizes light entry, enriching the atmosphere and enhancing the reading experience for everyone involved.

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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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