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Spiraling Glass Facade with Sustainable Concrete and Charred Wood Elements for Community Engagement

Spiraling Glass Facade with Sustainable Concrete and Charred Wood Elements for Community Engagement
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The integration of a spiraling glass facade with charred wood accents and a sustainable concrete base creates a distinctive environment designed to foster community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiraling form enhances natural light penetration and spatial flow.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Integrated pathways create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
05
The design incorporates natural ventilation strategies for improved indoor air quality.

### Overview

Located in a dynamic landscape characterized by mountains and valleys, this project aims to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and its natural surroundings. The design prioritizes spatial organization and ecological sensitivity, reflecting a profound commitment to integrating built environments with their context. The result is a structure that emphasizes movement and community interaction, encouraging exploration and engagement within the site.

### Materiality and Construction

The chosen materials fulfill both practical and aesthetic needs, contributing to the project's overall integrity. Glass elements facilitate transparency and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape, while stainless steel offers structural reliability and a contemporary aesthetic. The primary structural base features concrete for durability, complemented by interior wood accents that introduce warmth and enhance user experience. Innovative materials, potentially including composites, are proposed to further strengthen the project's sustainability and visual impact.

### Spatial Configuration and Environmental Integration

The layout employs interconnected circular forms, promoting intuitive movement and visual exploration throughout the site. Spiraling pathways and a central gathering area foster social interaction and communal engagement. Environmental considerations include the use of local materials and sustainable building practices, such as natural ventilation and daylighting techniques, which are integral to minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. The design accommodates diverse functions, from exhibition themes to recreational spaces, ensuring adaptability and attracting a wide range of users.

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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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