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Ultraviolet-Cleaned Retreat Featuring Photovoltaic Energy Integration

Authors:
Fabien Mock, Oliver Kamm, Stefan Könnecke
Ultraviolet-Cleaned Retreat Featuring Photovoltaic Energy Integration
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Equipped with a bactericidal and virucidal interior and powered by photovoltaic cells, the retreat offers users a hygienic space to disconnect and rejuvenate amidst urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with an automatic cleaning system using ultraviolet light for enhanced hygiene.
02
Incorporates bactericidal and virucidal materials to ensure occupant safety.
03
Functions autonomously with solar energy from integrated photovoltaic cells.
04
Designed for sensory disconnection and reconnection through a guided user experience.
05
Adaptable to various urban settings, including parks, towns, and waterways.

ECLIPSE is a personal retreat designed for urban environments. It adapts well to different settings, whether in parks, city centers, or near water. The central idea is to provide a space where individuals can take a break from the stresses of daily life. The design encourages users to disconnect from their surroundings and re-establish a connection with their own internal rhythms, promoting relaxation and wellness.

Design Concept

The design focuses on enhancing user experience through a structured approach. Upon arrival, users are invited to set aside their mobile devices in a designated box, allowing them to immerse themselves in the present moment. This simple action lays the groundwork for an environment that prioritizes relaxation and mindfulness.

Experiential Structure

The interior of ECLIPSE offers a carefully curated sensory journey. As users step inside, the lighting is adjusted to create a calming effect. A warm, fragrant drink is provided to awaken the senses of taste and smell. The atmosphere is fine-tuned with control over temperature and humidity, fostering comfort. Soft sounds from nature enhance the surroundings, encouraging a deeper level of calm and focus.

Health and Hygiene

Occupant health is a key priority in the design. The use of materials that are bactericidal and virucidal ensures that hygiene standards are met. Additionally, an automated cleaning system employing ultraviolet light helps maintain a clean and safe environment. This focus on cleanliness allows users to feel at ease as they take time for themselves.

Sustainable Infrastructure

ECLIPSE operates using solar energy from photovoltaic cells, aligning with efforts toward sustainability. This renewable energy source supports its functionality and reflects a commitment to being environmentally responsible. The design also considers ecological priorities while addressing the practical needs of urban life.

Large windows are thoughtfully placed to let natural light shine through. This connection to the outside enriches the experience and brings in different shades as daylight changes. It adds another layer to the overall atmosphere, enhancing the sense of peace and offering a retreat from the busy world outside.

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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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