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Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management

Author:
Ylva Fagraeus Lundström
Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management
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The butterfly roof captures rainwater and solar energy, while the cedar-clad structure enhances its natural environment, creating a sustainable retreat designed for yoga and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The butterfly roof design optimizes solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting.
02
The structure incorporates a combination of cedar cladding that ages to a silver-grey patina.
03
Elevated on plinths, the building minimizes environmental impact while enhancing lightness.
04
Greywater systems recycle used water for irrigation in the surrounding garden.
05
The large south-west facing glazed wall creates an uninterrupted view of the landscape.

Butterfly House is a notable example of sustainable design set within a calming retreat environment focused on yoga and wellness. Located amid natural surroundings, the building aims to foster connections with nature for its users. The design revolves around an innovative butterfly roof that efficiently integrates solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting, all while respecting the site's unique topography.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Butterfly House is the butterfly roof, which not only serves a visual purpose but also supports energy efficiency. This roof is shaped to optimize exposure to sunlight while capturing rainwater for practical uses. The architectural form works well within the landscape, enhancing the experience for those seeking tranquility and connection with their surroundings.



Spatial Organization

The studio is positioned toward the northern part of the site to maximize sun access while allowing space for a peaceful garden. It is elevated on plinths that adapt to the slope of the land, helping to minimize the building's impact on the environment and creating a sense of lightness. The internal layout is simple, with a rectangular shape defined by wooden beams and pillars, which creates an open and functional space for activities.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is deeply integrated into the design and operation of Butterfly House. The butterfly roof collects rainwater through downpipes that lead to storage barrels. This water feeds into the building’s systems, supplying toilets and irrigation for the garden. Greywater from showers and kitchens is recycled for plant use, while an Eco-box is designed for effective blackwater treatment, illustrating a thorough approach to resource management.



Material Aesthetics

The exterior of Butterfly House features natural cedar wood cladding, connecting the structure to its environment. As the wood ages, it takes on a silver-grey hue that gradually blends in with the surroundings. This choice reinforces the building's commitment to sustainability and aligns with its focus on harmony with nature.



The large windows on the south-west façade provide expansive views of the landscape, allowing ample natural light into the space. This connection to the outdoors enhances the setting, making it a fitting environment for relaxation and reflection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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