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Water-Focused Atrium in Concrete and Glass Amidst Natural Landscapes

Water-Focused Atrium in Concrete and Glass Amidst Natural Landscapes
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An atrium with a central water feature and extensive glass façades merges indoor and outdoor spaces while utilizing concrete and wood to create a functional residence that emphasizes natural light and landscape integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Water feature functions as a central light source, enhancing the interior brightness.
02
Garden atriums provide natural ventilation and create private outdoor spaces.
03
The sloped roof design maximizes daylight intake and reduces energy costs.
04
Sustainable materials include local concrete and reclaimed wood, minimizing environmental impact.
05
Open-plan layout promotes spatial flexibility for various functions and living styles.

### Project Overview
"The Home of Shadows" is a modern residential design located in a tranquil setting characterized by abundant greenery and open landscapes. The project aims to redefine residential living through the integration of natural light, outdoor spaces, and minimalist aesthetics, fostering an environment that enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The residence features a square footprint with two internal garden atriums created by subtracting smaller squares from the main volume. This configuration facilitates a dynamic relationship between private and communal spaces while seamlessly incorporating nature into the living environment. Central to the design is an atrium that includes a reflective water element, serving as both a visual focal point and a light-enhancing feature. The sloped roofs are designed to maximize daylight intake, ensuring a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout the interior, thereby enriching the daily experiences of the residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette of "The Home of Shadows" reflects a commitment to modern sustainable practices. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering durability and thermal mass. Extensive use of glass in façades promotes transparency and visual connectivity with the surroundings, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is incorporated in flooring and structural details, contributing warmth and natural texture, while steel elements provide structural integrity with a refined aesthetic. Sustainability is further emphasized through the design's incorporation of natural ventilation, passive solar heating, and eco-friendly materials, aligning with contemporary architectural principles that prioritize environmental responsibility.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

Open architecture competitions

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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