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Steps Overlooking Panoramic Views in a Wellness-Focused Space

Author:
Yee Tak Tong
Steps Overlooking Panoramic Views in a Wellness-Focused Space
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Stepped platforms provide expansive views over the valley, creating a communal space designed for wellness activities with a focus on integrating the building into its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stepped platforms enhance connectivity with the surrounding landscape.
02
The design incorporates an outdoor garden area for user engagement.
03
Natural light is maximized in the yoga studio for a calming atmosphere.
04
Distinct separation of public and private zones promotes varied usage.
05
Panoramic views are a focal point, encouraging communal interaction.

The Ellipse is a building located on a cliff, designed to connect with the surrounding landscape while serving as a space for wellness activities. It offers a panoramic view of the valley, providing a scenic backdrop that enhances the experiences of those within. The design emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, creating an environment where visitors can engage with both the structure and the nature surrounding it.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on clearly defined areas for public activities and private moments. Stepped zones allow all visitors to take in the wide views, fostering a sense of community through shared experiences. This layout promotes natural movement through the space while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that is essential for wellness practices.

Yoga Studio

Central to The Ellipse is the yoga studio, intended for a variety of wellness practices. This space is designed to make the most of natural light, creating a warm and inviting setting for relaxation and mindfulness. Its closeness to useful areas such as a pantry, storage, and instructor rooms enhances its practicality, supporting different activities aimed at improving physical and mental health.

Outdoor Engagement

The addition of an outdoor garden area expands the usable space, encouraging people to interact with the natural environment. This area enhances the visual appeal and helps connect the inside of the building with the outside. The garden complements the overall design, reinforcing the intent to create harmony with the landscape.

Distinctive Details

Thoughtful design choices reflect a commitment to sustainability while respecting the site's natural contours. The stepped layout serves both practical needs and adds a sculptural quality to the building. It invites exploration and interaction, drawing people in. Accompanied by sweeping views, these details create a unique relationship between the structure and its setting, enriching the experience for all who visit.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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