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Translucent Polycarbonate and Elevated Wood Structure Enhancing Community Living by the Lake

Translucent Polycarbonate and Elevated Wood Structure Enhancing Community Living by the Lake
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Elevated on a pier foundation, the structure integrates translucent polycarbonate and locally sourced timber, creating an adaptable living space designed to foster community interaction while respecting the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ecological impact by allowing natural wetlands to thrive beneath the structure.
02
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining thermal insulation.
03
Flexible layout incorporates semi-open spaces for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
04
Utilizes local timber to reduce carbon footprint and promote regional sourcing.
05
Incorporates rainwater harvesting and innovative water management systems for sustainability.

### Project Overview

The Interstice House is located on the shores of Lake Asnen in Sweden, within the confines of Asnen National Park. This architectural design focuses on enhancing the relationship between human habitation and the natural world. Access to the site is primarily via boat or kayak, which underscores the project's commitment to integrating with its pristine environment while emphasizing both livability and environmental context.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design employs a minimalist aesthetic and seeks to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The incorporation of translucent polycarbonate panels maximizes natural light and fosters a spatial connection to the landscape. Key design elements include flexible semi-open areas that facilitate smooth transitions between interior and exterior environments. Operable doors and transparent walls support varied interactions with nature, allowing occupants to experience the surrounding landscape according to their preferences. Furthermore, communal areas are strategically designed to promote social interaction and outdoor activities, reinforcing community bonds among occupants.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection for the Interstice House reflects a commitment to both aesthetic and environmental goals. The structure primarily utilizes plywood and timber for warmth and connection to nature, while translucent polycarbonate enhances light penetration and insulation, allowing for a dynamic interplay with the surrounding environment. Concrete serves as the foundation material for the elevated pier, minimizing ecological impact, and aluminum is employed for its lightweight and durable properties. Sustainability is addressed through the integration of photovoltaic panels for energy generation, as well as systems for rainwater harvesting and wastewater management, supporting the project's overall ecological objectives.

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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.

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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