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Sustainable Educational Pavilion Showcasing Strawbale and Cork

Authors:
Zuzanna Winiarska, Kornelia Mikulska, Szymon Kołcz, Anna Lis
Sustainable Educational Pavilion Showcasing Strawbale and Cork
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Constructed with strawbale and cork, this educational pavilion emphasizes modularity and sustainability while promoting awareness of ecological building practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced materials to minimize carbon footprint.
02
Integrates lesser-known materials like strawbale and cork for sustainability.
03
Modular design allows for flexible reconfiguration of space.
04
Educational exhibits showcase alternative building practices and materials.
05
Promotes engagement with ecological design principles through interactive elements.

The Vernacular Pavilion is a response to ongoing climate change, situated in a way that emphasizes the need for sustainability in building design. It serves as an educational space that promotes eco-friendly construction practices through the use of wood and technologies drawn from traditional architecture. The overall design focuses on modularity, allowing the pavilion to adapt to different environments while encouraging exploration of various sustainable materials and construction methods.

Design Concept

The pavilion features a wooden structure designed with modular elements that offer flexibility in arrangement. Each module can be reconfigured to suit specific site conditions, making it adaptable to diverse settings. This modular approach not only enhances functionality but also engages visitors, inviting them to interact with the design and consider sustainable principles in their own construction choices.

Educational Function

Central to the pavilion's mission is its role as an educational resource. It features exhibition spaces that display various sustainable building materials, offering insights into their properties and applications. Each exhibition box is equipped with descriptions and images that illustrate how these materials can be used in real-world projects. This aspect of the design seeks to inform the public about the benefits of using alternative materials, fostering a greater understanding of sustainable practices in architecture.

Material Considerations

While wood serves as the primary material in the design, the pavilion also incorporates lesser-known sustainable options such as strawbale, hempcrete, and cork. These materials are selected for their contributions to reducing environmental impact and compatibility with local building traditions. Their inclusion underscores the importance of sourcing materials locally, which can support local economies and minimize transportation-related emissions.

The architectural expression of the pavilion blends traditional principles with modern design elements, creating a welcoming space that showcases the potential of sustainable construction methods. The wooden surfaces interact with light, casting interesting shadows that add depth to the experience. Visitors are encouraged to engage not just with the space, but also with the ideas surrounding sustainability and responsible building practices.

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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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