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Tibetan Praying Wheels and Local Stone Shape a Community Space

Authors:
Juliana Rocha, Joana Ilhão
Tibetan Praying Wheels and Local Stone Shape a Community Space
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Tibetan praying wheels and local stone create a harmonious community space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape while fostering both social interaction and individual reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tibetan praying wheels incorporated into the design enhance cultural significance.
02
Cardinal points orientation optimizes light and energy flow throughout the building.
03
Local stone is used, reinforcing the project’s ecological sustainability and regional identity.
04
The layout includes diverse functional areas tailored for communal and private use.
05
Large openings connect interior spaces to the surrounding natural landscape.

The design is situated in a natural landscape that emphasizes the preservation of existing trees, showcasing a commitment to ecological sustainability. The layout draws inspiration from Tibetan culture, incorporating elements such as praying wheels and cardinal points orientation. This infuses the space with a spiritual narrative, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings, all while allowing for moments of reflection and community interaction.

Cardinal Points Orientation

The layout is organized in alignment with cardinal points, creating a direct connection to the natural environment. Each side of the building faces a different direction, promoting a harmonious relationship with the landscape. This orientation not only enhances visual appeal but also allows for optimal natural light and airflow throughout the interior. The design honors the site's unique topography and fosters a spiritual connection through this intentional alignment.

Functional Organization

The interior includes various functional spaces: a practice room, hall, kitchen, toilet, water collector room, storage, change room, and shower. This thoughtful arrangement underscores a focus on multi-functionality, catering to diverse activities and user needs. By integrating communal and private spaces, the design encourages social interactions while also providing quiet areas for personal reflection.

Integration of Elements

The design also explores elemental organization, assigning specific spaces to the four elements: water represented by the WC, fire by the fireplace, earth by the kitchen, and air by the entrance. This careful alignment fosters a balanced environment, connecting users to essential aspects of nature. The design promotes harmony and coherence, enhancing the overall experience of being within the building.

Material Considerations

Local stone is specified as a key material, reinforcing ties to the geographical context. This choice not only aligns with aesthetic goals but also supports environmentally friendly practices. Using natural materials creates tactile spaces that feel inviting and linked to the site.

Large openings in the practice room allow abundant natural light to fill the space, framing views of the surrounding trees. This design fosters a calm atmosphere, promoting moments of introspection and connection with the outdoors.

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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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