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Vented Façade and Engineered Wood Create Connection to Marshland Ecosystem

Vented Façade and Engineered Wood Create Connection to Marshland Ecosystem
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Featuring a vented façade that allows natural light to filter through and engineered wood elements that resonate with the surrounding wetlands, the structure serves as a community hub for environmental education and observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vented façade enhances natural ventilation and light quality.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer fire resistance and an organic aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design mirrors the surrounding reeds in the marshland.
05
Multi-level observation areas promote immersive environmental experiences.

### Overview

Located adjacent to Silver Lake within the De Smet Forest, the project serves as an observation tower and community platform, designed to enhance the interaction between human activity and the surrounding marshland ecosystem. The intent is to create a space that not only facilitates observation of the natural environment but also embodies a narrative that reflects the rhythms of nature and human migration.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural composition features an angular form with dynamic lines that evoke the movement of reeds in the wind. Ground-level spaces are designed for community gatherings and events, fostering social interaction, while an elevated observatory deck provides expansive views of the wetlands. A carefully planned circulation strategy allows visitors to move through the structure seamlessly, engaging with the landscape from varying perspectives, thereby enhancing their connection to the natural surroundings.

### Material Selection

A thoughtful selection of materials ensures that the design resonates with its ecological context. Steel serves as the primary structural component, providing durability, while engineered wood is utilized for cladding and staircases, reflecting the natural materials found in the marshlands. Extensive use of glass allows for large openings that frame views of the wetland, reinforcing the relationship between the interior space and the exterior environment. The foundation and flooring are constructed from concrete, selected for its stability in the marshy terrain, thus ensuring the project's longevity while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

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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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