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Vertical Louvers and Glass Facades in a Community Shelter Designed for Women

Vertical Louvers and Glass Facades in a Community Shelter Designed for Women
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Utilizing vertical louvers for adaptive shading and expansive glass facades, the women's shelter in Seoul integrates sustainable materials and communal spaces to provide a safe and supportive environment for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes vertical louvers for enhanced solar control and privacy.
02
Incorporates large glass facades to maximize natural light and visibility.
03
Features modular multi-purpose rooms adaptable for various community activities.
04
Includes an outdoor terrace designed to promote interaction with nature.
05
Constructed with sustainable materials such as reinforced concrete and timber.

## Architectural Report: Women's Shelter Design in Seoul

### Overview
The women's shelter in Seoul is situated within a densely populated urban context, designed to meet the social needs of women in vulnerable situations. The project aims to create a safe and supportive environment that facilitates both shelter and personal development. Its strategic location ensures easy access to public transportation and essential services, fostering integration with the surrounding community.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout features staggered volumes that create dynamic spatial relationships, enhancing both movement and natural light throughout the building. On the ground floor, flexible communal areas—including a reception, multi-purpose rooms, and an expansive outdoor terrace—encourage social interaction and provide a sense of community. The upper floors comprise individual living spaces designed to maintain privacy while allowing for ample daylight through large window openings. The incorporation of common areas on each level promotes connectivity among residents.

### Material Considerations
Utilizing a carefully selected range of materials, the design balances aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity and adaptability, while glass facades enhance visibility and connection to the outdoors, contributing to a sense of safety. Steel beams support expansive open spaces without intrusive columns, and wooden decking in communal terraces introduces warmth and comfort. Vertical louvers offer shading benefits, improving energy efficiency by minimizing heat gain while maximizing daylight access. The overall material palette contributes to both the building's durability and its welcoming atmosphere.

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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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