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Transitioning Sound: Timber Facades and Natural Elements in a Calming Space

Author:
Anastasia Limonova
Transitioning Sound: Timber Facades and Natural Elements in a Calming Space
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Constructed with distinct timber facades and fiberboard insulation, the design effectively facilitates a transition from sound to silence, creating a tranquil space for reflection and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinct timber facades promote sound absorption and enhance acoustic privacy.
02
Fiberboard insulation improves energy efficiency and contributes to a peaceful interior.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for effective rainwater management and adds structural stability.
04
Terrace integration creates a direct connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Carefully measured areas of S = 14.7 and S = 6.4 maximize space utility and functionality.

The design titled "From Sound to Silence" focuses on the shift from noise to quiet, highlighting the importance of a calming environment. Located in a thoughtfully selected area, the structure encourages engagement with its surroundings. The central idea revolves around creating spaces that allow for reflection and peace, distinguishing itself through both practicality and visual appeal.

Facades

The building features several facades—Facade 1, Facade 2, Facade 3, and Facade 4. Each facade serves a specific purpose and contributes to a cohesive visual identity that invites exploration. The arrangement of these facades enhances interaction and creates a dialogue between the building and its environment, with natural light playing across the surfaces throughout the day.

Materials

Material choices are fundamental to the design, with elements such as lining, wooden rail, insulation (fibreboard), plywood, wooden beam, and wood shingle carefully selected. These materials promote sustainability and offer a connection to the natural world, bringing warmth to the overall feel of the space. Wooden components not only provide a tactile experience but also help reduce sound, which relates closely to the theme of transitioning from sound to silence.

Spatial Configuration

Sections and measurement plans are crucial for understanding the spatial organization. The measurement plan indicates key areas, showing dimensions like S = 14.7 and S = 6.4. This attention to detail helps create usable spaces that facilitate movement and functionality. The design does not overlook practicality, as technical plans for lighting and electrical setups ensure that the building meets everyday needs while maintaining its visual interest.

Interior Dynamics

Attention is also given to the interior layout, especially in the arrangement of furniture on both the first floor and attic. The plans illustrate how furnishings influence spatial flow and user comfort. Thoughtful integration of lighting and accessibility features, such as snap switches, further enhances the lived experience. Each decision reflects the aim of providing a peaceful environment that guides users from the noise of everyday life into a space of tranquility.

A wooden terrace extends outward from the structure, providing a connection to the landscape. This feature allows for outdoor interaction and enhances the overall calming atmosphere, bridging indoor comfort with nature.

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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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