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Translucent Cotton Shell and Spiraling Ramp Elevate Community Gathering Space

Author:
Jan Storm
Translucent Cotton Shell and Spiraling Ramp Elevate Community Gathering Space
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A translucent cotton shell envelops a spiraling ramp, allowing natural light to grace a community gathering space designed for flexible use and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraling ramp provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
02
The Great Hall accommodates up to 70 people, promoting community interaction.
03
Locally sourced roundwood timber is used structurally, enhancing sustainability.
04
A translucent cotton shell allows for natural light while maintaining interior comfort.
05
Flexible annex design can be easily adapted to changing community needs.

The Spirala Community Home emerges within an elevated landscape, thoughtfully designed to encourage community interaction and shared experiences. It features two main areas that serve distinct purposes: the Great Hall for gatherings and an annex for other activities. The design is inspired by the form of a barred galactic spiral, which helps to establish a connection between the building and its natural environment.

Design Concept and Layout

The layout is carefully arranged to support a range of communal activities. The Great Hall stands at 12 meters wide and 5 meters high, providing a substantial area of 108 square meters. This space is intended to comfortably accommodate between 50 and 70 people. Additional storage space is located below the interior spiral ramp, enhancing the functionality of the design.

Exterior Features

One of the key features of the Spirala Community Home is the exterior spiral ramp. This ramp encircles the building and creates a continuous walkway, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding views from multiple angles. The entrances are positioned along the west-east axis to facilitate easy access and movement throughout the space.

Materials and Sustainability

The structure utilizes locally sourced roundwood timber, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability. For the outer shell, a translucent cotton cloth is used, which allows natural light to filter into the building. The flooring includes locally sourced black and white tiles arranged in a pattern that reflects the galactic spiral theme, enhancing the overall design aesthetic.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Natural ventilation plays a vital role in controlling the indoor climate of the home. During warm months, air flows in from the base, rises, and exits through upper sections. In colder weather, warmth from the floor moves toward the walls, providing comfort for occupants.

The design of the Spirala Community Home blends functionality with attention to the natural landscape, creating an inviting environment that promotes community engagement and connection to 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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