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Canopy Structure Emphasizing Wood Harmony in Forest Exhibition Spaces

Author:
Anselm Kranebitter
Canopy Structure Emphasizing Wood Harmony in Forest Exhibition Spaces
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Harmoniously integrating wood and tree canopies, the pavilion facilitates immersive exhibition spaces that engage visitors with the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hanging fabrics define five independent exhibition areas.
02
The design integrates with existing trees to minimize ecological impact.
03
Wood elements enhance sensory experiences through aroma and sound.
04
Natural light filters through the canopy, creating dynamic spatial effects.
05
The vague boundaries blur distinctions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The design presents an exploration of space and interaction within a forested environment, featuring five independent areas defined by hanging fabrics. It operates as an exhibition space located in a natural setting, with a design concept that emphasizes flexibility and integration with the surroundings. The overall approach allows for a unique experience that invites visitors to connect with both the architecture and the landscape.

Design Concept

The pavilion moves away from conventional exhibition spaces, allowing for an adaptable design that is not limited by strict boundaries. This approach facilitates a relationship between the built environment and nature. By utilizing local timber construction traditions, the design highlights wood as an essential element, contributing both to the aesthetic and sensory experience of the pavilion.

Materiality

Wood plays a central role in the design. Its characteristics enhance the space, bringing in a warm aroma and natural sounds that foster a connection to the forest. The structure attaches itself to existing trees, which minimizes disruption to the environment. This careful choice of materials not only respects the natural setting but also creates a tactile experience that encourages visitors to explore.

Spatial Experience

Visitors navigate through the five areas, engaging with the pavilion from different viewpoints. This layout promotes interaction and exploration, allowing people to experience the architecture in a personal way. The canopy extends overhead, acting as a frame that enhances visual perspectives while letting natural light filter through the hanging fabrics.

The boundaries of the pavilion are intentionally vague, creating an overlap between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design strategy enhances the sense of continuity with the landscape. Each visitor's journey through the pavilion unfolds uniquely, marked by the interplay of light, fabric, and the surrounding trees. It results in a calm atmosphere that resonates with the natural world, providing a space for reflection and connection.

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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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