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Solar-Powered Retreat with Cubical Forms and Spacious Terrace

Author:
Hsiang-ting Huang
Solar-Powered Retreat with Cubical Forms and Spacious Terrace
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With its self-generating solar panel roof and an overall design that incorporates cubical forms and ample natural light, this retreat offers a tranquil space for a couple seeking relief from urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
A solar panel roof provides energy for nighttime use.
02
Large opening window enhances natural light flow throughout the interior.
03
Cubical forms reflect a blend of freedom and structure.
04
A dedicated terrace offers private outdoor space for relaxation.
05
Multi-level layout creates a sense of spaciousness and connection.

The design titled "A Transitional Place of LIFE" serves as a refuge for a couple seeking relief from the pressures of city life. The project is thoughtfully situated to create a peaceful environment that encourages relaxation and renewal. It addresses the common challenges of modern living by incorporating natural elements into the overall design. The intention is to enhance well-being, both physically and mentally, by providing a space that offers comfort and respite.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the design features multiple levels, including a loft that adds a sense of spaciousness. A large opening window positioned at the front allows ample natural light to fill the interior, contributing to a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This design element creates a strong link between the inside and outside, making the occupants feel connected to their natural surroundings. A terrace included within the design further extends the living space outdoors, providing a private spot for the couple to enjoy sunlight and fresh air.

Sustainability Features

A notable aspect of the design is the solar panel roof, which includes self-generating panels on both sides. This feature showcases a dedication to sustainability, helping to reduce the building's reliance on conventional energy. By capturing sunlight during the day, the solar panels provide energy to power the interior at night. This approach not only minimizes energy costs but also supports eco-friendly practices.

Conceptual Themes

The design explores the concepts of "Turning" and "Merging" through the use of cubical forms. The contrast between the turned and unturned shapes reflects the balance between the freedom of a vibrant life and the repetition of everyday routines. By merging these forms into a familiar house shape at the center, the design conveys the idea of mental liberation within a structurally defined space.

Functional Layout

The arrangement of spaces includes areas for living, dining, cooking, and working, all designed to meet the couple's daily needs. Each space flows into the next, creating an environment where different activities can coexist harmoniously. The basement adds practical value, offering storage and workstations that enhance the overall functionality of the design.

Natural light dances through the large opening window, creating shifting patterns within the interior. This simple detail enriches the user experience, drawing attention to both the structure and the surrounding landscape.

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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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