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Undulating Roof Design Blending Natural Light and Therapeutic Spaces with Cedar Shingles

Undulating Roof Design Blending Natural Light and Therapeutic Spaces with Cedar Shingles
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The undulating roof structure, crafted from cedar shingles, harmonizes natural light and therapeutic spaces in a circular layout designed to provide a comforting environment for end-of-life care.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular layout promotes communal interaction while providing private reflection spaces.
02
An undulating roof design mimics natural landscape contours for enhanced integration with the environment.
03
Large glass façades maximize natural light, connecting residents to the surrounding coastal views.
04
Therapeutic spaces are designed to facilitate holistic healing practices within the hospice setting.
05
Native plants are incorporated into the landscaping, creating a calming and restorative atmosphere.

## Overview

Poppy Acres is located in San Diego and serves as a retreat for individuals in the later stages of life. The design aims to create an environment that respects the natural process of dying while fostering an atmosphere that supports both emotional well-being and family engagement. The architectural layout and material choices reflect an intent to enhance tranquility and connection to nature.

## Site Layout and Spatial Organization

The layout of Poppy Acres is characterized by a circular configuration that promotes both community interaction and personal reflection. Key areas are interlinked to facilitate accessibility, while also orienting around picturesque ocean views that enhance the overall experience. Central to this design is an open-air courtyard, which serves as a focal point, inviting interaction and introspection through landscaped gardens and seating areas.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

The selection of materials for Poppy Acres has been carried out with care to ensure harmony with the natural surroundings. Concrete is utilized for durability in structural elements and pathways, while softer woods are incorporated to create a warm atmosphere. Large glass windows are installed to optimize natural light, providing uninterrupted views of the landscape and reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection. Additionally, the landscape features native plants, including California poppies, which contribute to a serene environment and symbolize renewal, further integrating the building within its ecological context.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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