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Candlelit Retreat with Recycled Timber and Conical Forms

Authors:
Luca Gebhard, Madina Akkubekova, Valeria Sapigni
Candlelit Retreat with Recycled Timber and Conical Forms
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Constructed with recycled timber and characterized by conical shapes that blend with the forest, the cabin serves as a tranquil retreat focused on mental well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled timber is utilized for heating, reinforcing environmental sustainability.
02
Extensive glazing creates a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
03
Candle lighting with glass candelabra enhances the cabin's tranquil ambiance.
04
Conical forms mimic the surrounding pine trees, integrating the cabin with its environment.
05
A cabinet system organizes domestic functions, optimizing space efficiency.

The AOM cabin is an architectural design located in the peaceful Latvian forest. It serves as a retreat from the challenges of modern urban life, aiming to foster mental well-being in a tranquil setting. The design centers on creating a quiet and safe space that encourages reflection and relaxation, closely aligning with the natural environment.

Architectural Concept
The cabin is built to promote a calming atmosphere, responding to issues of stress and the need for environmental awareness. The layout includes a central area dedicated to mental activities, while everyday functions are organized within a series of cabinets. This design choice enhances the functionality of the space, all while keeping a clean and minimalist look.

Spatial Configuration
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding pine trees, the shape of the cabin resembles conical forms that blend with the landscape. This design helps reduce any visual disturbance, allowing the building to fit naturally within its setting. The geometric simplicity fosters a connection between the occupants and their environment, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the nature that surrounds them.

Environmental Control
The cabin focuses on practical solutions for heating and lighting. It operates in passive energy mode, which means users can manually adjust the interior climate to suit their needs. Skylights are carefully placed to bring in natural light, while side openings create opportunities for fresh air, maintaining comfort throughout different seasons.

Lighting and Interior Interaction
Candle lights enclosed in glass candelabra add both function and charm to the space. These lights can be directed along a rail, providing flexibility in the illumination. The extensive glass facade allows for constant interaction with the outdoors, making it feel as though nature is part of the cabin. The design encourages occupants to engage with the forest, making the experience more immersive.

The full glass facade not only floods the interior with light but also facilitates a strong connection to the forest, emphasizing the integration of living space with the natural world.

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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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