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Cocoon Enclosure with Norway Spruce Emphasizing Natural Balance in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Isamu Kanda, Sangsuri Chun
Cocoon Enclosure with Norway Spruce Emphasizing Natural Balance in a Forest Retreat
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A cocoon enclosure crafted from Norway Spruce rises above the forest floor, offering a tranquil retreat designed for meditation and introspection while emphasizing a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cocoon-like enclosure enhances privacy while connecting to the forest.
02
Spiral staircase integrates with the structure's upward flow.
03
Circular skylight fosters a unique relationship with the tree canopy.
04
Norway Spruce chosen for local sustainability and lightweight properties.
05
Elevated platform design minimizes ecological impact on the surrounding area.

The Tree House is a design that integrates structure and nature, creating a space for contemplation and reflection in a forested environment. It focuses on promoting mindfulness and calm, drawing inspiration from the principles of yoga, particularly the benefits of twisting for maintaining balance. The design allows users to connect deeply with the natural surroundings, offering an opportunity for peace and escape from everyday life.

Conceptual Framework
The design emphasizes simplicity and natural harmony. It provides a setting that encourages self-examination and growth. The tree house has a slender stem that broadens at the top, resembling the growth of trees. As occupants climb the spiral staircase, they reach a hidden room that serves as a retreat. This space filters visual distractions, allowing the sounds and scents of the forest to guide the experience.

Spatial Configuration
The elevated platform is a key feature, surrounded by a protective cocoon-like structure. This design enhances privacy while inviting interaction with the natural landscape. Below the platform, essential items such as water and food can be stored, thus keeping the space open for users to fully engage with their surroundings. A distinctive circular skylight lets in light, fostering an awareness of the tree canopy overhead.

Material and Assembly
The tree house makes use of Norway Spruce, chosen for its local availability and sustainability. The assembly method involves stacking square frames arranged in a pinwheel pattern, which supports the structure's strength and allows for the spiral staircase. Stability is achieved through the use of tie-downs, which minimize the footprint of the design. This approach enables building on uneven ground without disrupting the existing ecosystem.

A suspended fireplace is located in the upper area, providing warmth and light. It enhances both the practical function and aesthetic quality of the tree house. As natural light filters down through the skylight, the design invites occupants to immerse themselves in the forest environment. This creates a serene atmosphere that fosters a sense of connection with nature and encourages moments of quiet reflection.

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

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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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