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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance a Tranquil Retreat Design

Authors:
Irina Rouby Apelbaum, Cecilia Lo, Negin Farzandi, Sarah Hasan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance a Tranquil Retreat Design
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design provides a seamless connection between communal spaces and nature, serving as a retreat for wellness and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a central meditation hall connected acoustically to a nearby creek.
03
Includes a semi-outdoor kitchen designed for communal cooking experiences.
04
Utilizes innovative cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Prioritizes natural light with strategically placed glazing throughout the design.

### Project Overview

Located within a tranquil natural environment, the project addresses the contemporary need for a balanced approach to work and relaxation. The design promotes principles of off-grid living while providing spaces that encourage both communal engagement and individual reflection. A central meditation hall directly interacts with a nearby creek, creating an immersive sensory experience that enhances tranquility and serves as a focal point for the retreat.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The site layout is carefully arranged along a central axis, facilitating a dialogue between private and communal spaces. The ground floor encompasses shared areas for cooking and social gatherings, while the private quarters are designed to ensure privacy and calm. This division allows visitors to engage socially while also seeking solitude, thereby catering to diverse preferences for interaction and retreat.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction employs locally sourced materials to reinforce its environmental ethos. Predominantly featuring timber, the wooden structures enhance the project’s connection to the surrounding landscape. The integration of local natural stone provides both durability and visual appeal, while strategically placed glass elements create a seamless connection with the outdoor environment, inviting natural light and fostering an open atmosphere throughout the interior spaces.

**Key Design Features** include a meditation hall characterized by its tall ceilings and expansive views, an outdoor kitchen that encourages communal activity around food preparation, and wellness facilities such as saunas. Each component is designed to enhance well-being and promote community interaction, contributing to a holistic experience within the retreat's setting.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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