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A Geometric Forest-Embedded Cabin with Bark Shingles and Light Shafts

Authors:
Verena Hornig, Javid Alibhai, Malika Butt, Ola-ife Ojo
A Geometric Forest-Embedded Cabin with Bark Shingles and Light Shafts
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Elevated above the forest floor by a cable system, this cabin utilizes bark shingles and light shafts to create a harmonious living space that fosters connection with nature and promotes introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable ladder optimizes vertical space in the cabin.
02
Tatami mat area specifically designed for personal reflection.
03
Light shafts enhance airflow and capture seasonal sunlight.
04
Timber construction minimizes environmental impact among trees.
05
Bark shingles promote new growth and ecological harmony.

Nur is designed as a meditative cabin located in a forest, designed to become a part of the natural landscape. It serves as a space for living and reflection, inviting users to connect with their environment. The overall design emphasizes the relationship between the individual, the structure, and the ecosystem. By fostering awareness of how flora, fauna, and the cosmos interconnect, the project promotes a sense of unity.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the layout is designed to accommodate various activities while promoting a calm atmosphere. The entryway features a retractable ladder, which optimizes the use of vertical space. A meditation area with a tatami mat encourages personal reflection. The food preparation zone includes a sink and wood stove, while the privy is equipped with a compost toilet and a decomposition chamber for waste management.

Light and Ventilation

Light shafts rise above the cabin, improving natural light and enhancing airflow. They act as the building's lungs, allowing fresh air to circulate and creating a refreshing environment. These shafts are positioned to capture sunlight during different times of the year, establishing a dialogue between the inside and outside. This interaction strengthens the connection with the natural environment and enhances the user experience.

Construction and Sustainable Material Choices

The design incorporates machine fabrication and off-site assembly techniques to enhance efficiency and promote an eco-friendly approach. Timber is the primary material, allowing the structure to harmonize with the surrounding forest. Elevated above the ground, the cabin is supported by cables anchored to posts within tree trunks, minimizing its environmental impact and enabling it to blend into its natural setting.

The materials used for Nur demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility, including plywood, vapor barriers, insulation, oriented strand board (OSB), bark shingles, and steel cables. The bark shingles serve a functional purpose while promoting new growth, aligning the project with its ecological context. These choices aim to balance aesthetics with ecological considerations. As the sun moves, light shafts create patterns within the cabin, casting natural shadows that shift throughout the day and inviting users to engage in contemplation and connection with the forest.

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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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