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Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
Mariana Becerra, Natalia Calcaneo, Andrea Jacome
Trellis-Integrated Reading Room Using Bamboo and Eco-Friendly Materials
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The integration of a trellis with climbing plants and sustainable bamboo materials creates a distinctive reading room that fosters community interaction and promotes an inviting atmosphere for literary exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
The trellis structure allows for natural plant growth, enhancing the reading room's connection to nature.
02
Bamboo panels are used for structural integrity, promoting sustainability and renewable materials.
03
Lumira aerogel roofing provides exceptional lightweight insulation while remaining eco-friendly.
04
Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET, is used for seating, combining comfort with environmental responsibility.
05
The design includes personal sitting areas integrated into walls, encouraging intimate reading spaces.

The BOOKGARDEN project is a versatile reading room located within a natural setting. Its design emphasizes both function and accessibility, creating a space for community interaction and literary exchange. Inspired by "The Secret Garden," the project blends architectural elements with nature, fostering a calm environment ideal for reading and socializing.

Design Concept

Central to BOOKGARDEN is the trellis structure, which serves as an open lattice framework supporting climbing plants. This design choice promotes a connection to nature while enhancing the visual appeal of the reading room. The space encourages natural growth, allowing it to change over time. This creates a relationship between the building and its surroundings, inviting visitors to engage with the environment as they explore the area.

Spatial Organization

The layout of BOOKGARDEN features distinct sections that clearly define different functional areas, promoting balance within the space. With designated areas for seating and bookshelves, the design allows users to move about easily. The interplay of vertical and horizontal lines creates visual interest, while the mix of smooth and sharp edges adds texture. Overall, this thoughtful organization contributes to an inviting atmosphere that supports a variety of activities.

Sustainable Materials

A key focus of the design is sustainability, which is evident in the choice of materials used throughout the project. Bamboo panels form the structural components, providing a renewable source of strength and durability. The roofing incorporates Lumira aerogel, known for its lightweight insulation properties. Repreve fabric, made from recycled PET bottles, is used for seating, and Vita Talalay latex provides breathable stuffing for comfort.

Natural light streams through the trellis, casting soft shadows within the reading room. This gentle play of light enhances the atmosphere, creating an inviting space for quiet reflection and community gatherings.

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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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