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Charred Timber Retreat with Staggered Views of the Northern Lights

Author:
Lewis Bailie
Charred Timber Retreat with Staggered Views of the Northern Lights
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With staggered bedrooms designed for optimal views of the northern lights and a charred timber exterior that blends durability with aesthetic appeal, the building serves as a modern retreat focused on both connection to nature and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber rainscreen enhances weather resistance.
02
Staggered bedrooms offer unobstructed views of the northern lights.
03
Hot tub area integrates leisure into the design.
04
Fibrous insulation improves energy efficiency and comfort.
05
The pitched roof design allows for maximum natural light.

The design integrates a contemporary take on the pitched roof dwelling typology in a quiet setting. Focused on creating spaces that encourage interaction and comfort, the building is well-suited for modern living. It combines communal areas and private retreats to foster a sense of connection to both the people inside and the natural environment outside.

Central Hub Design

At the heart of the home is a shed-like space, which serves as the main gathering area. Here, the kitchen and dining zones come together, allowing for easy movement and interaction. This design reflects a modern approach to living, where preparation and dining are parts of a single experience. The layout is practical, facilitating social gatherings while maintaining individual comfort.

Spatial Organization

Bedrooms are thoughtfully staggered to make the most of the views toward the northern lights. This arrangement enhances both privacy and connection to the striking landscape outside. An indentation is included for a hot tub, which introduces a leisure area that invites residents to enjoy moments of relaxation naturally. The design promotes not just living but also enriching experiences tied to the environment.

Material Choices

Selecting materials plays an essential role in the overall effectiveness of the design. Charred timber rainscreen boarding adds durability, standing up to the elements and requiring less maintenance. Fibrous mineral wool insulation ensures better energy efficiency, contributing to a warm and comfortable indoor climate. A robust timber support structure provides stability, while plywood sheeting promotes airtightness. Flashing and standing seam metal roofing handle water management efficiently, ensuring long-term resilience.

The design successfully blends form with function, reflecting a modern lifestyle that values both community and nature. An interesting detail is the staggered placement of windows in the bedrooms. This feature not only allows light to enter but also carefully manages views while ensuring privacy from the outside.

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

`
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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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