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Spiral Light and Lake Views in a Curated Family Retreat

Authors:
Margherita Vittoria Carrara De Sambuy, Marcella Contini, Manuji Colucci
Spiral Light and Lake Views in a Curated Family Retreat
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With a spiraling roof that channels natural light and a platform offering panoramic lake views, the design serves as a creative and functional retreat for a multi-generational family.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraling roof design maximizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
The platform provides 360-degree views of the surrounding lake.
03
A workshop extends partially over land and descends toward the water.
04
A ramp provides accessibility to the studio from the main living area.
05
Three bedrooms are strategically placed for privacy within a communal layout.

The Lake-Non-Lake House integrates living areas with spaces for creativity, set beside a calm lake. The design focuses on enhancing the relationships between the home and its natural surroundings while providing both communal and private spaces for a multi-generational family. Overall, the concept prioritizes a connection with the environment, allowing the house to blend with its landscape.

Functionality and Spatial Organization

The interior layout consists of a living/kitchen area, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, and an internal courtyard. This organization encourages interaction among family members while also allowing for personal privacy. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to create a comfortable living experience that balances togetherness with the need for individual retreat.

Connection to the Environment

A key feature of the design is the platform that wraps around the house, offering views of the lake from all directions. This element enhances the overall visual appeal and reinforces the bond between the building and the natural setting. The workshop, partially extending over land and moving toward the water, emphasizes the connection to nature and illustrates the project’s commitment to integrating architecture with its surroundings.

Light and Ambiance

The roof structure of the house acts as the primary source of light, spiraling around in an interesting form. This design choice allows sunlight to enter the interior, creating varied light conditions throughout the day. Natural illumination enhances the atmosphere, promoting a sense of openness that encourages movement and interaction within the space.

Artistic Engagement

A ramp provides access to the studio, reflecting a focus on inclusivity while blending creative spaces with the living environment. The studio, which extends into the house, offers visitors a comfortable spot to observe artistic activities. This design choice supports the overall aim of the house, fostering a creative setting within a functional home.

Each of these elements contributes to a thoughtful design that invites engagement with both the occupants and the environment. The house stands as a model of how architecture can support daily life and artistic expression in a harmonious way.

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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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