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Wood and Glass Retreat Emphasizing Sunset Views by the Coast

Authors:
Aayush Verma, Rahul Narang, Tanishkaa Garg, Saloni Kansal
Wood and Glass Retreat Emphasizing Sunset Views by the Coast
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Set against the backdrop of a rocky Florida beach, this residence employs wood and glass to create a series of open spaces that frame stunning sunset views, allowing residents to connect deeply with the coastal environment while enjoying modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expansive glass openings enhance natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The design incorporates a courtyard that fosters outdoor living experiences.
03
Wood construction emphasizes sustainability in alignment with coastal conditions.
04
Intimate shared spaces encourage connection between residents and the environment.
05
Strategically placed bathrooms offer unobstructed sunset vistas.

Light House: The Home of Shadows is located on a rocky beach in Florida. It aims to blend living spaces with the surrounding coastal scenery. The design centers around the idea of removing typical boundaries, allowing light to fill the interior. This approach creates a strong relationship between the inside of the home and the natural environment outside, providing a peaceful retreat for the residents.

Design Concept and Layout

The layout focuses on an open arrangement of spaces that include both formal and informal living areas, a kitchen, and dining rooms. Each area has been planned with care to encourage social interaction while still offering moments of privacy. The design features bathrooms that look out toward sunsets, enhancing the experience of living by the coast and inviting people to connect with nature.

Material Selection

Sustainability is a key factor in the choice of materials, with wood being the primary building element. This reflects a commitment to responsible construction practices and durability suited for the coastal setting. Along with wood, the design includes aluminum, glass, and fiber, each providing distinct functions and adding to the overall aesthetic without compromising the structure's strength against coastal conditions.

Connection to the Environment

This home emphasizes a close relationship with its surroundings, allowing residents to experience the sounds and sights of coastal life. Large openings in the design foster interaction with the ocean breeze and gentle waves. Blurring boundaries between inside and outside, the home encourages daily engagement with the natural landscape.

The extensive use of large windows not only lets in plenty of light but also frames the breathtaking views of the ocean, making the landscape an important part of daily living.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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