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Timber Framework Enhances Privacy and Sensory Experience in Residential Living

Authors:
Derek Jeong, Clare Na
Timber Framework Enhances Privacy and Sensory Experience in Residential Living
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Timber elements provide tactile navigation and privacy while a thoughtfully designed courtyard enhances sensory engagement in a home for visually impaired residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber serves as a tactile guide throughout the home.
02
The design incorporates a secluded courtyard for privacy and reflection.
03
Public and private spaces are clearly defined to enhance comfort.
04
Natural light floods the interior, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.
05
Curved pathways aid navigation for visually impaired residents.

The design "HOME FOR THE BLIND: IN-TOUCH, IN-TRUST, IN-TACT" is located in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Its main goal is to create a living space that meets the needs of visually impaired individuals through thoughtful spatial arrangements. The concept focuses on ensuring safety and comfort while promoting sensory interactions with the environment.

Spatial Arrangement
The layout divides the home into public and private areas, allowing for social interaction and personal solitude. As inhabitants enter, they follow a split path that guides them while encouraging movement throughout the house. This approach ensures that accessibility is integrated into the design. Elements that invite touch help residents navigate their surroundings and feel more connected to the space.

Public and Private Areas
The public spaces, such as the living room and dining room, are designed for gatherings. These areas serve as hubs for residents and their visitors, fostering a sense of community. Complementing these spaces is a courtyard, providing a connection to the outside world. This courtyard brings in natural light and fresh air, creating a serene atmosphere for quiet moments and reflection.

Focus on Privacy
The private wing offers a sense of security, carefully designed to limit visibility from the street. Spaces like the bedroom, shower, and laundry prioritize a peaceful and personal atmosphere. This clear distinction between public and private zones enhances the idea of retreat, making it easier for residents to relax and unwind in their home.


Timber features prominently throughout the design, adding warmth and a tactile quality that supports orientation. This choice not only creates a welcoming atmosphere but also strengthens the relationship between the inhabitants and their surroundings. By integrating these thoughtful details, the design fosters a meaningful connection with both the home and the natural environment.

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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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