Third Place Winner
TerraWave: A Fluid Grounding House
Design by
Veronica Dominguez & Marcson Tanis
The TerraWave House embodies the harmony between modern architecture and the natural environment, integrating sustainable materials and advanced technology to create a home that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape. It is a project that promotes a deep connection with nature, offering a sustainable perspective for the future of living.
-Antonella Marzi
Veronica Dominguez & Marcson Tanis
Veronica Dominguez and Marcson Tanis are fourth-year architecture students pursuing a Master’s degree at FIU. Their architectural journey, which began in 2020, has been predominantly online due to the circumstances. Despite this, their shared passion for spatial design and construction has kept them motivated. Over the years, they have developed their skills in various aspects of design and designing programs, from conceptualizing intricate spatial designs to exploring sustainable architectural solutions. Working collaboratively, they have tackled complex design challenges, leveraging their individual strengths and perspectives to enrich their projects. As they approach the end of their studies, they look forward to applying their knowledge and experience to real-world architectural endeavors.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Introduction: Introduce yourself briefly and provide some insights into your background in design
We are Veronica Dominguez and Marcson Tanis, a team of 4th-year architecture students pursuing a Master’s degree at FIU. Our journey in architecture began in 2020, navigating what would have been a hands-on degree, through a screen for 2 years. Our shared interest in spatial design and construction kept us motivated, and over the years, we’ve honed our skills in various aspects of design and designing programs. From conceptualizing intricate spatial designs to exploring sustainable architectural solutions, we’ve thrown ourselves into the diverse fields of architectural practice. Collaborating as a pair has been an invaluable part of our academic journey. Together we’ve tackled complex design challenges, leveraging our individual strengths and perspectives to enrich our project. As we navigate through our final years of studies, we’re excited to apply our knowledge and experience to real-world architectural endeavors.
Could you give us an overview of your vision for Home 2123 and the key concepts behind your design?
Our design is a holistic approach to sustainable living, seamlessly integrating organic architecture with the surrounding natural environment. At the heart of our vision is the concept of harmonious coexistence with nature. We envisioned TerraWave as a sanctuary where inhabitants can reconnect with the earth and allow you to fully take in the beauty of their surroundings. Our design philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing the natural landscape, ensuring that the home complements and respects the terrain on which it stands. Another key concept was adaptation, the idea was to integrate the architecture with the terrain, seamlessly connecting the built and natural environment.
Home 2123 aims to explore the future of residential architecture. How did you incorporate futuristic elements, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability into your design?
TerraWave begins as a pre-programmed capsule, set up to grow through the use of advanced artificial wood technology. As it grows it follows the contours of the desired site. Similar to a tree, the home is rooted to the terrain, branches up, and expands from the organic tubing within.
In envisioning Home 2123, what role do advanced technologies play in enhancing the living experience? How did you integrate these technologies into your design?
In envisioning Home 2123, advanced technologies play a significant role in enhancing the living experience by integrating them into the design of the TerraWave structure. The advanced lab-grown wood in the TerraWave allows it to grow and adapt to the contours of the site, allowing for seamless integration with the landscape. Once fully grown, TerraWave features organic tubes that serve multiple functions, including structural support, water storage, and food production. These tubes are a futuristic and sustainable approach to design, utilizing advanced technologies to provide essential elements for living while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the integration of advanced technologies in the design of Home 2123 not only enhances the living experience but also promotes environmental sustainability.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of future home design. How did you ensure that your design aligns with eco-friendly principles and addresses environmental concerns?
For the creation of TerraWave, sustainability was a major guiding factor in the design of our project. There were many key components used to address eco-friendly principles and environmental concerns. The form of the structure itself was the biggest factor, as our goal was to harmonize with the landscape and have a non-destructive relationship with the terrain. Within the structure the system of tubing harvests rainwater and recycles water for various uses within the home, reducing the demand for fresh water to the home. The exterior vegetation purifies the air, provides insulation, and promotes biodiversity. Finally, the use of advanced engineered wood reduces the reliance on traditional building material which often has a high environmental impact.
Home designs must adapt to changing needs and lifestyles. How did you incorporate flexibility and adaptability into your design to accommodate future changes?
Our home has a natural lifecycle, it’s meant to eventually decay and decompose back into the Earth, minimizing the effects of the built environment on the natural environment. From there, new capsules can be planted in new locations creating a structure specifically catered to any desired landscape.
The concept of home extends beyond individual dwellings to encompass communities. How does your design foster community interaction and well-being?
We've designed spaces that encourage people to come together, share experiences, and support each other's well-being. From the fertile grounds surrounding the house to the potential food that could grow from its walls, every aspect of the TerraWave project is designed to support and sustain the community. The pre-programmed capsule allows for multiple residents to plant their homes to create and grow their communities.
As we progress into the 22nd century, how do you envision the evolution of residential architecture? What role does Home 2123 play in shaping this future?
We believe that in the 22nd century, residential architecture should be one with nature and work alongside it. Home 2123 challenges us to be mindful of the environment and to think of new innovative ways to create a home that is eco-friendly while also incorporating and imagining potential technological advancements that are to come.
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