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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Adam Szekeres, Eszter Réti, Imola Balogh, Fanni Gardos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and prefabricated timber, the retreat offers multiple cabins that harmoniously blend into the forest landscape, providing a functional space for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Features a modular assembly approach, allowing for flexibility in cabin configuration based on site conditions.
04
Designed with transparent panels to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy for occupants.
05
Surrounded by a carefully curated landscape that enhances interaction with the natural environment.

## Architectural Design Report: CLIPPER Project

### Project Overview

The CLIPPER project is situated within a forested landscape and consists of a series of cabins, including sleeping cabins, a sauna cabin, and a community cabin. The intent is to create structures that respond to user needs while fostering a connection with the natural surroundings. Each cabin emphasizes modularity, functionality, and an integration with local materials, effectively positioning itself within the wooded environment.

### Cabin Configuration and Functional Design

The project features three distinct cabin types that share a common structural framework, allowing for flexibility in interior space and adaptability to various site conditions:

1. **Sleeping Cabin:** Designed to accommodate four individuals, this cabin includes multifunctional features such as storage and basic cooking facilities, making it suitable for extended stays.

2. **Sauna Cabin:** This smaller structure focuses on relaxation and features an open layout that enhances the sauna experience, incorporating direct access to the outdoor environment.

3. **Community Cabin:** Serving as a central gathering space, this cabin functions both as a dining area and a social hub, facilitating interaction among visitors and enhancing communal experiences within the retreat.

The arrangement of these cabins is strategically designed to minimize ecological disruption while encouraging individual and collective interactions with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials for the CLIPPER project underscores a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence:

- **Wood:** The primary construction material, sourced from local timber, promotes a lower carbon footprint and blends naturally with the landscape.

- **Plywood Sheets:** Utilized for insulation and structural framing, these sheets enhance thermal performance while contributing to the overall modular design.

- **Metal Roof Sheeting:** Each cabin features a durable, profiled metal roof that provides weather resistance and extends the lifespan of the structures.

- **Transparent Panels:** Integrated in select cabin designs, these panels allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces while maintaining user privacy and enhancing the connection to the outdoors.

This careful consideration of materials reflects an approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility and the creation of a warm, inviting atmosphere for users.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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