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Amber Glass and Warm Timber Create a Serene Retreat Experience

Authors:
Nicolae Linzon Cespedes Hochstätter, Jhoselin Paola Dorado Frías
Amber Glass and Warm Timber Create a Serene Retreat Experience
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Constructed with amber-colored glass and warm timber, the retreat seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings while providing a tranquil space for meditation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with amber-colored glass to enhance natural light filtration.
02
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, minimizing environmental impact during construction.
05
Strategically positioned large windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

**Overview**
Located in Latvia's tranquil landscapes, Quiescence is designed as a retreat to promote relaxation and interaction with nature. The primary intent is to create a harmonious environment that enables users to explore and meditate while accessing modern amenities. The spatial organization and material selection reflect an intention to forge meaningful connections between the occupants and their natural surroundings.

**Spatial Strategy**
The layout of Quiescence is carefully structured, comprising distinct functional areas that facilitate both communal and individual experiences. The central social area serves as a hub for interaction, promoting connectivity to outdoor spaces and an openness that invites the natural environment in. Guest accommodations are designed to provide comfort and unique orientations toward the landscape, allowing varying perspectives of the surrounding beauty. Additionally, practical spaces such as baths and hallways are strategically positioned to ensure accessibility and convenience.

**Material Emphasis**
The project incorporates a selection of materials that align with both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Wood is utilized as the primary structural material, offering a warm visual appeal while minimizing ecological impact. Amber-colored glass, significant to Latvian culture, enhances ambiance through filtered light, further enriching the internal experience. Polyethylene foam insulation is employed to enhance energy efficiency and climate resilience. The design also features wooden paneling for exterior cladding and interior surfaces, fostering a consistent aesthetic throughout. Innovative structural elements include a roof design reminiscent of a bird in flight, facilitating rainwater collection, while large windows provide opportunities for views and foster a strong connection to the landscape.

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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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