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Clay Fireplace and Cozy Nook in a Tranquil Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Kasey Elliott, Grisha Camargo
Clay Fireplace and Cozy Nook in a Tranquil Woodland Retreat
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A clay fireplace anchors a cozy sleeping nook within a serene cabin, designed to facilitate meditation and connection to the surrounding woodlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central clay fireplace acts as both a heat source and spatial divider.
02
The sleeping nook is located near the roof rafters for enhanced coziness.
03
Large openings connect interior spaces with the surrounding forest.
04
The deck extends into the woodland, promoting outdoor engagement.
05
Design elements focus on fostering solitude and introspection.

The NICHE is located in the peaceful woods near Riga and serves as a retreat for meditation and reflection. It is designed to cultivate a strong connection with nature, providing a quiet space for individuals to escape the busyness of everyday life. The focus is on simplicity and warmth, creating an environment that encourages introspection.

Spatial Organization
The layout of the cabin carefully organizes spaces for different activities, creating a smooth transition between areas for meditation and daily living. A prominent feature is the fireplace, which provides warmth and light. It also acts as a central element that helps define the entry and living areas. This design choice fosters a welcoming environment, enhancing the overall meditative experience.

Connection to Nature
A deck extends from the structure, bridging the indoor area with the forest outside. This outdoor space allows occupants to enjoy their natural surroundings, promoting a deeper engagement with the landscape. The deck serves as a connection point, encouraging users to experience the tranquility of the woods and enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Intimate Nook
The sleeping nook, cleverly tucked away near the roof rafters, is an essential aspect of the design. This cozy area is created with softer lighting, providing a space for quiet thought and relaxation. It supports the main goal of the design by offering a private retreat where individuals can find solitude.

Material Choice
Clay is used for the fireplace, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. This material connects the cabin to its environment, enhancing its integration within the wooded setting. The choice of natural materials reflects a commitment to the overall design concept, supporting a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Large openings throughout the cabin allow natural light to enter, creating a play of shadows and brightness. The changing light throughout the day adds richness to the experience, helping to transform the interior into a space that feels alive and engaged with its surroundings.

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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
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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