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White Corrugated Structure Emphasizing Geological Features for Visitor Engagement

Author:
Youngil Kim
White Corrugated Structure Emphasizing Geological Features for Visitor Engagement
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Bright white corrugated walls define a visitor service station set against a geological landscape, guiding exploration of nearby caves while enhancing the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bright white corrugated walls enhance visibility in a natural setting.
02
Modules align with geological features to guide visitors intuitively.
03
Glass blocks create a warm atmosphere while allowing natural light.
04
Design prioritizes visitor engagement with nearby caves and landscapes.
05
Detachable modules offer flexibility for future adaptations and uses.

The service station is located in an area where the North American Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, creating a unique geological landscape. This setting influences both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design, which aims to facilitate visitor interaction with the nearby caves. The overall concept focuses on improving functionality while establishing a meaningful relationship with the natural environment.

Design Concept

Linear modules have been integrated into the landscape, aligning with the geological crack to guide visitors toward the cave entrances. This modular arrangement provides clarity and ease of navigation for those exploring the area. Each element serves a purpose and enhances the overall experience, allowing the service station to function as both a helpful facility and an architectural feature that complements its surroundings.

Architectural Elements

Two distinct modules form a tower, finished with bright white corrugated walls. This choice of material serves to enhance visibility of the structure within the landscape. The design aims to create a space that is not only practical for visitors but also visually appealing, connecting the built environment to the natural beauty around it.

Materiality and Light

The building consists of utility modules designed for various visitor amenities. Glass blocks are used selectively to allow natural light to filter into interior spaces. This design decision creates a welcoming atmosphere and helps maintain comfort indoors. The incorporation of transparency strengthens the connection between the indoor experience and the exterior landscape, highlighting the area's natural features.

Spatial Transition

The service station emphasizes the importance of visitor transition from the built environment to nature. It functions as a point of entry for exploration rather than just a temporary stop. The thoughtful arrangement of modules and pathways encourages movement, allowing visitors to engage with the geological formations nearby. This careful consideration results in a design that respects and enhances the beauty of the natural surroundings, with each structural element thoughtfully contributing to the overall experience.

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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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