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Basalt Stone Retreat with Transparent Facades Nestled in a Mountain Landscape

Basalt Stone Retreat with Transparent Facades Nestled in a Mountain Landscape
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Crafted from local basalt stone and enhanced by expansive glass facades, the design integrates seamlessly with its mountainous surroundings to serve as a multifunctional retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted primarily from locally sourced basalt stone for durability and aesthetic cohesion with the environment.
02
Incorporates translucent polycarbonate panels to balance light entry and maintain privacy.
03
Features a circular circulation design to enhance accessibility and social interaction among users.
04
Open-plan layout strategically positioned to maximize panoramic mountain views and natural light.
05
Includes dedicated storage areas for winter sports equipment, tailored for its seasonal function.

# Architectural Design Report: Light Cabin

## Overview
Situated in a snowy mountainous region, Light Cabin is designed to function as a retreat that balances practical use with aesthetic clarity and environmental sensitivity. The project emphasizes a thoughtful integration with the local landscape by utilizing regional materials and architectural traditions while incorporating contemporary design principles. The intent is to create a space that fosters comfort and connection to the surrounding environment.

## Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization prioritizes efficiency and comfort, with a ground floor that includes interconnected living areas, a kitchen, and storage spaces designed for social interaction. An open-plan layout facilitates gatherings, while the first floor accommodates semi-enclosed private areas that enhance privacy without sacrificing the overall design ethos of transparency. A circular circulation pattern is implemented, promoting ease of movement and encouraging engagement among users.

## Material Composition
The material palette contributes to both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the cabin. The exterior cladding uses basalt stone, a local material, providing durability and a rugged visual appeal that harmonizes with the landscape. Interior areas are finished with plaster, offering a clean and modern texture, complemented by oak wood accents that enhance warmth. Large floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate natural light penetration and reveal expansive views, while translucent polycarbonate elements on the upper levels balance privacy with illumination. The integration of these materials underscores the design's commitment to sustainability and contextual relevance.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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

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