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Translucent Plastic Panels and Steel Mesh Form a Flexible Community Hub

Authors:
Valeria Fontana, Costanza Galvani
Translucent Plastic Panels and Steel Mesh Form a Flexible Community Hub
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Translucent plastic panels and a steel mesh facade create a dynamic and flexible community hub that accommodates a diverse range of cultural and educational functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent plastic panels allow natural light to permeate deep into the interior spaces.
02
The steel mesh facade integrates LED lighting for dynamic visual impact.
03
The design emphasizes flexible spatial organization to support diverse functions.
04
Engaging communal areas are strategically placed to foster interaction.
05
Sustainable materials are prioritized to enhance environmental sensitivity.

### Overview
The project is situated in an urban context, designed as a multifunctional space that fosters community engagement and educational opportunities. The concept is inspired by the metaphor of a "cloud," representing a flexible and welcoming structure aimed at encouraging collaboration among diverse users. This initiative emphasizes a programmatic approach to spatial design, incorporating various functions to serve as a cultural and educational hub appealing to a wide audience.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural design integrates multiple key functional areas, including a museum, library, open studio, workstation, conference rooms, café, restaurant, bar, forum, and classrooms. This variety underscores the intent to cultivate a communal environment that promotes creativity, learning, and discourse. The layout prioritizes interaction and accessibility, ensuring that the space is dynamic and engaging for visitors of all ages. The building's contours reflect fluidity, with tiered elevations enhancing visibility and creating meaningful connections with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a critical role in shaping the architectural expression of the design. Steel mesh is utilized for the cloud-inspired element, offering both structural integrity and aesthetic versatility, while integrated LED lighting enhances the façade's dynamic character. Translucent plastic panels are employed to create a visual bridge between interior and exterior spaces, allowing natural light to filter through, which supports energy efficiency by reducing dependency on artificial lighting. This choice highlights the project's sustainable practices and reinforces the connection between users and their environment, promoting a light-filled, inviting atmosphere.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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