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Charred Cedar Structures Enhancing Traveler Experiences Along Lake Baikal

Authors:
Ana Mendes, Nina Morelli
Charred Cedar Structures Enhancing Traveler Experiences Along Lake Baikal
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Constructed from charred cedar and local stone, these strategically placed shelters offer travelers along Lake Baikal a unique blend of comfort and cultural engagement, promoting rest and exploration in a rugged natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using the shou sugi ban technique for enhanced fire resistance.
02
Incorporates locally sourced stone to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features flexible interior spaces designed for cultural exhibitions.
04
Large glass panels promote natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Strategically located to optimize access for travelers along Lake Baikal.

### Overview
The pit stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway, particularly situated around Lake Baikal, are designed to enhance the travel experience of passengers navigating this extensive route across diverse Russian landscapes. With a focus on fostering connections between travelers and the surrounding environment, the design addresses both functional and experiential aspects, promoting a dialogue with the unique natural and cultural contexts of the region.

### Architectural Strategy
The shelters feature a distinctive gabled form that minimizes wind resistance and facilitates snow shedding in winter climates. Strategically located near Lake Baikal, the design considers the geographical characteristics of a landscape often only glimpsed from the train. The use of carbonized cedar for the external cladding, employing the "shou sugi ban" technique, enhances fire resistance while reducing reliance on chemical treatments. The incorporation of double-glazed windows ensures thermal insulation and comfort throughout the seasons, while local stone serves as the foundation, linking the structures to their natural surroundings.

### Interior Configuration and User Engagement
Internally, the layout is both flexible and inviting, centered around a communal fireplace that acts as a focal point for social interaction and warmth. Amenities include a self-service café for travelers and spaces dedicated to exhibitions and local tourist information, fostering cultural exchange and understanding of the area. Expansive glass elements invite natural light and offer panoramic views of Lake Baikal, encouraging interaction with the outdoors and blurring the lines between internal and external spaces. This design not only meets the needs of travelers but also promotes an appreciation of the expansive wilderness through which they journey.

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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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