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Steel Modules Framing an Open Square Amid Natural Pools

Authors:
Elba Cambraia, Frederico Ribeiro, Natália Valladão
Steel Modules Framing an Open Square Amid Natural Pools
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Overlapping steel modules create a unique structural interplay that frames an open square and connects to natural pools, serving as a versatile museum for cultural exhibitions and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Overlapping steel modules create a dynamic structural composition.
02
An open square serves as the central gathering space for visitors.
03
Performance areas are integrated for community cultural events.
04
Mobility walls allow flexible exhibition configurations.
05
Landscaped pathways connect the indoor spaces with the natural environment.

The TELA Museum is a thoughtfully designed space that blends with its surroundings, defined by the nearby volcano, lake, and natural pools. Located in a landscape filled with unique geological features, the museum serves as a cultural center, supporting a variety of art exhibitions while promoting a strong connection between the visitors and the environment. The design encourages exploration and interaction, creating a dialogue between the building and the outside world.

Structural Configuration

The museum is built using a series of overlapping steel modules that create a distinct shape. This framework not only defines the exterior but also allows for flexible internal spaces. The layout spans multiple levels to facilitate easy movement, with elevators and stairs placed strategically for smooth circulation. This organization enables visitors to explore different exhibition areas comfortably.

Exhibition Spaces

On the Plaza Floor, there is a central open square surrounded by versatile exhibition halls. These halls feature both permanent and mobile walls, making it easy to adjust the space for various art displays. This adaptability enhances the visitor experience, allowing for a diverse range of installations that can be set up according to the needs of specific exhibitions.

Community Integration

A key aspect of the museum is its role in the community, reflected in the performance areas located on the northeastern side. This section includes an L-shaped stage, designed for cultural events and festivals. A private dressing room for performers adds functionality to the space, encouraging community engagement and highlighting the museum's importance as a cultural venue.

Outdoor Connection

The design extends into outdoor areas that invite visitors to engage with the natural environment. Pathways and landscaped spaces encourage exploration and relaxation, creating an inviting atmosphere. This connection between the building and its surroundings is emphasized by the transitions from indoor galleries to outdoor areas.

Large windows on the upper levels provide views of the landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty outside while benefiting from generous light in the exhibition spaces. The careful arrangement of these features enhances both the practical use of the museum and the overall experience for those who visit.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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