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Thatch Roofed Family Retreat Emphasizing Shared Spaces and Natural Wood

Authors:
Néstor Andres Mancini, Mariana Perujo, Romina Alberini, Guido Giorgi
Thatch Roofed Family Retreat Emphasizing Shared Spaces and Natural Wood
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Constructed with a thatch roof and local wood, the design promotes interaction through shared spaces while providing privacy for two families in a harmonious lakeside setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two-family design promotes interaction through flexible communal areas.
02
The hall can function as an art gallery, enhancing creative expression.
03
Local wood and thatch roofing create a connection to the surrounding environment.
04
Strategic layout allows for privacy while encouraging shared experiences.
05
Proximity to a lake integrates natural views into daily living.

"Confluence" is a design that integrates two family units within a cohesive residential space. Located near a lake, the project focuses on the idea of coming together, creating an environment that encourages family interaction while also providing areas for individual privacy. The design combines usefulness with artistic features, enhancing the living experience and fostering connection.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is central to the design, allowing families to engage with each other. There are shared areas on both floors, promoting communication among family members. A hall connects these spaces, giving the option for privacy when desired. This area can also serve as an art gallery, reflecting the importance of creativity in everyday life.

Flexible Usage

Flexibility is a hallmark of the design, where spaces are adaptable to various needs like sleeping, working, and studying. This approach allows the different lifestyles of the families to be met effectively. The hall's capability to change its purpose illustrates the commitment to versatile design, making it suitable for evolving needs over time.

Materials and Aesthetics

The project employs traditional Latvian materials such as wood and thatch. These choices not only enhance the visual appeal but also strengthen the connection to the local landscape. Using familiar materials contributes to a genuine look and feel and respects the cultural context of the area.

Relationship with the Environment

The design creates a balanced connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Being close to the lake influences the design, allowing for a flow between the interior and the natural surroundings. Natural light and views are carefully considered, resulting in a calm atmosphere. Residents can enjoy both the built environment and nature, leading to a richer living experience.

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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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