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Canvas Barriers and Vertical Members Enhance Reflection in a Forest Cabin

Authors:
Jesse Goguen, Erik Weaver, Royd Zhang
Canvas Barriers and Vertical Members Enhance Reflection in a Forest Cabin
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Elevated above the forest floor, a meditation cabin utilizes flexible canvas barriers and vertical wood members to create an immersive space that encourages introspection and engagement with the surrounding nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible canvas barriers allow for adaptability to changing weather conditions.
02
Vertical wood members create an open drop ceiling for enhanced acoustics.
03
Built-in storage beneath the platform keeps the space uncluttered.
04
The elevated platform fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding forest.
05
Natural light filters through the structure, enhancing the ambiance throughout the day.

Ansis' Landing is a meditation cabin designed to promote a close relationship with nature. Located in a forest, the cabin serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking reflection and calm. The overall design emphasizes a strong connection between the indoor space and the surrounding environment, encouraging occupants to engage their senses and connect with the natural world around them.

Spatial Transition

The layout of the cabin allows for an easy transition between the inside and outside. Solid walls are replaced with flexible canvas barriers that can be adjusted to suit weather conditions, such as wind or rain. This feature helps create an inviting space where occupants can enjoy fresh air and the sounds of nature while still feeling secure inside.

Material Use

Wooden vertical members are used to create an open drop ceiling within the cabin. These structural elements provide support while also enhancing the visual connection to the outdoors. Natural light filters through the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of wood contributes to the overall calming effect, grounding the occupants in their surroundings.

Functional Design

Storage solutions are cleverly integrated beneath the platform floor, allowing for a tidy and uncluttered environment. This practical design choice reflects the goal of maintaining simplicity, helping occupants to focus on their meditation and the beauty around them. With fewer distractions, the cabin becomes a place for quiet contemplation.

Connection to Nature

The elevated platform invites occupants to engage more fully with the landscape. This design choice allows light and air to move freely throughout the space, creating a lively environment that changes with the time of day. The gentle sounds of the forest and shifting shadows add to the experience of solitude, encouraging deeper reflection and a sense of peace.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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