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Timber Cladding Designed to Reflect Coastal Landscapes in a Cinematic Experience

Author:
Johny Vincent
Timber Cladding Designed to Reflect Coastal Landscapes in a Cinematic Experience
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Inspired by Iceland's coastal landscapes, the design employs cladding that resembles a sea pebble, creating a dynamic interplay with natural elements while serving as a dedicated space for exploring the history of cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the shape of sea pebbles found on Icelandic beaches.
02
The immersive room features seating that moves both horizontally and vertically.
03
An outdoor pool serves as a dynamic projection surface for film content.
04
Timelapse tunnels guide visitors through the history of silent and talking cinema.
05
Cladding design is influenced by traditional Drakkar boat hulls.

"THE LOOP" offers a unique journey through the history of cinema, designed to engage visitors in meaningful ways. The setting allows for a connection with nature while presenting an opportunity to explore key moments in film history. The overall concept centers around a circular pathway, guiding visitors through various milestones in filmmaking and technological advancements.

Design Concept

The central idea behind "THE LOOP" is to immerse guests in the world of cinema, creating a sequence of experiences that reveal significant developments in film. It begins with a drive-in cinema, inviting visitors to recall the communal nature of early film viewings. This setup establishes a direct link to the origins of cinema, setting the tone for the exploration that follows.

Spatial Organization

Moving through the space, visitors encounter a praxinoscope in the entrance hall, which illustrates the roots of cinema before the age of film. The journey continues through two distinct tunnels that provide insight into the transition from silent films to the introduction of sound. This organization of space fosters a rich experience, allowing guests to appreciate the technological changes that have shaped cinema over the years.

Interactive Features

A notable aspect of the design is the outdoor pool, which presents an innovative platform for engagement. Visitors can see moving images projected onto the water's surface, creating a blend between cinema and the natural world. This feature encourages audience participation, as the projection transforms them into active viewers. It also opens the door to spontaneous interactions, enhancing the overall experience of exploring cinematic art.

Architectural Elements

The materials and form of the structure reflect its natural surroundings. The exterior has been shaped to resemble a sea pebble found on Icelandic beaches, creating an organic appearance that integrates well with the landscape. The immersive room is clad in material inspired by the hull of Drakkar boats, adding to the maritime theme while reinforcing the project’s connection to cinematic exploration.

The design allows light to dance across surfaces, creating shadows that interact with the surroundings. This play of light contributes to the overall atmosphere and enriches the visitor experience, making each moment spent in the space feel unique.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

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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