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Canopy Gaps and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate a Forest Pavilion

Author:
Yanyan Zhang
Canopy Gaps and Cross-Laminated Timber Elevate a Forest Pavilion
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Cross-Laminated Timber panels and strategically placed canopy gaps define a pavilion that integrates into the forest landscape, offering flexible space for diverse functions while enhancing the connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pavilion utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber for its structural framework.
02
Canopy gaps enhance natural light while connecting the interior to the forest.
03
Self-supporting modular units allow flexible space configurations.
04
Glulam frames provide strength and lightweight characteristics.
05
Roof design effectively manages rainwater through concealed piping.

"Clustered Freedom" is a pavilion that reflects a thoughtful relationship between architecture and nature. Positioned within a wooded area, the design encourages connection with the surrounding landscape. Users can move easily between the indoor space and the exterior environment. The pavilion serves multiple functions, adapting to different activities while promoting a sense of harmony with nature.

Structure and Modularity

The framework relies on a modular system that imitates the form of trees, allowing for flexible space organization. This approach helps maintain structural balance while offering diverse design options. The various sizes and arrangements of the units create interesting spatial experiences that draw attention to the natural environment.

Light and Space Interaction

The pavilion features a carefully planned distribution of columns. These columns differ in density, helping to define different areas within the space. This arrangement allows for an engaging interaction between light and shadow. The gaps in the canopy bring in natural light, enhancing the inward experience of the pavilion and deepening its connection with the outside world.

Roof Design and Water Management

The roof showcases Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels, which are tilted toward the center. This design not only serves aesthetic purposes but also manages rainwater effectively. A pipe hidden within the columns channels rainwater away, reducing visual clutter and maintaining a clean look. This attention to detail reflects a practical mindset that interlaces form and function.

Materials and Sustainability

The project incorporates Glulam (Glue-Laminated Timber) frames, creating a lightweight structure that is easy to assemble and disassemble. This feature adds to the pavilion's versatility, allowing it to be relocated if needed. The choice of materials aligns with a commitment to sustainability, suggesting that architecture can be both functional and considerate of its environmental impact.



The pavilion ultimately brings together light and shadow, with the canopy's design creating a rhythmic effect. It frames views of the surrounding trees, enriching the experience for those inside and strengthening the connection between the built space and the natural setting.

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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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