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Stone-Walled Rest Stops Combining Solar Energy with Natural Elements

Authors:
Matthew Moran, Daniel Rojas, Ali Aslam, Ted Hammer
Stone-Walled Rest Stops Combining Solar Energy with Natural Elements
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Constructed with a prominent stone wall and powered by solar energy, these cabins offer sustainable resting points along the EuroVelo 6 route, blending seamlessly into their natural surroundings while meeting the diverse needs of travelers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a prominent stone wall that serves as a structural and navigational element.
02
Cabins are equipped with solar panels for self-sufficient energy use.
03
Natural light is maximized through expansive curtain walls on the east facade.
04
Each cabin includes a logbook for travelers to document their experiences.
05
Local materials are used to ensure contextual relevance in different regions along the route.

The European Velo Stops project focuses on providing well-designed resting places for travelers along the EuroVelo 6 route. Set against varied landscapes, these cabins serve as both functional stops and markers for navigation. The design centers around a stone wall, which not only gives the structure stability but also connects it to the local surroundings. The project emphasizes usability, environmental responsibility, and adaptability in meeting the needs of different users.

Structural Elements

A central feature of the design is the stone wall, which acts as both a foundation and a guiding marker for travelers. This wall integrates into the landscape and helps create inviting spaces for rest. The flexible design allows for various configurations, from simple stops that provide information to more developed cabins that offer extensive resting areas. This versatility enhances the experience for cyclists and hikers alike.

Sustainability Features

The focus on sustainability is evident throughout the design. Each cabin is equipped with solar panels to generate energy, reducing the need for traditional power sources. The large windows on the east side permit abundant natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright atmosphere while improving energy efficiency. This design choice also establishes a strong connection between the inside spaces and the natural environment outside, allowing for a pleasant user experience.

Local Context and Materiality

The project values local resources by using materials sourced from the surrounding area. This practice supports regional craftsmanship and ensures that each cabin reflects its own unique context. By considering local architecture, the cabins maintain their own distinct styles while contributing to the overall network along the EuroVelo 6 route. This attention to materiality promotes a sense of place and belonging.

User Experience and Community Interaction

Cabins are designed to foster interactions among users, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those traveling the route. Features like logbooks allow visitors to share stories, enhancing community spirit. These elements encourage a sense of connection, making it more than just a stopover. By focusing on user experience, the design aims to enrich the journey for everyone passing through.

Sunlight filters through large windows, creating patterns on the interior walls, highlighting simple yet functional spaces and drawing attention to the relationship between the cabin and its surroundings. This careful design consideration brings the beauty of the landscape into the everyday experience of travelers.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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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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