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Sunken Earth Structures Embracing Water and Nature

Author:
Antonios Sarkis
Sunken Earth Structures Embracing Water and Nature
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Sunken structures harmoniously blend with the surrounding landscape, integrating water features and natural elements to create a reflective environment for poets and creatives.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sunken structures designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding terrain.
02
Pathways mimic the flow of the nearby river, enhancing movement and exploration.
03
Air buildings provide elevated views, fostering a connection with the sky.
04
Water buildings engage directly with the adjacent lake, creating immersive experiences.
05
Inspired by Concrete Poetry, the design translates literary concepts into spatial elements.

The project "Poetry in Motion" is located in Pavilosta, Latvia, where it blends the local landscape with themes of poetic expression. Designed primarily for poets and creative individuals, it encourages exploration and reflection within a peaceful environment. The architecture draws on the rhythm and flow of both the geography and poetry, creating a meaningful connection between the built forms and nature.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of "Poetry in Motion" is the idea of "Concrete Poetry." This concept takes the structures of an Elizabethan sonnet and transforms them into architectural forms. The layout is influenced by the linear river flowing through Pavilosta, enhancing the interaction between the buildings and the environment, which enriches the overall experience for users.

Spatial Composition

The arrangement highlights buildings based on their relationship to the earth, air, and water. Earth buildings are set into the landscape, allowing them to blend with the terrain. Conversely, air buildings rise above, providing elevated views and a connection to the sky. Water buildings engage with the nearby lake, establishing strong links between architecture and aquatic features.

User Experience

Each architectural element serves both a practical and aesthetic role, creating an inviting atmosphere that fosters creativity and thought. Pathways throughout the site lead users on dynamic journeys, encouraging them to interact with different natural elements. This arrangement mimics the rhythmic qualities of poetry, enhancing the interaction with the natural surroundings.

The design of "Poetry in Motion" emphasizes the relationship between site-specific features and context. The result is a harmonious composition where earth, air, and water come together, reflecting the intricate connections between the structures and the landscape. The careful attention to these relationships brings a sense of balance and calm to the environment.

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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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