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Cocoon-Like Retreat Crafted from Local Timber Logs

Author:
Inbar Meital
Cocoon-Like Retreat Crafted from Local Timber Logs
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A cocoon-like structure built from local timber logs provides a serene space for meditation and self-reflection, harmonizing indoor comfort with the beauty of its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cocoon-like interior design enhances user comfort and introspective experiences.
02
Dual-axis orientation balances sunlight intake and wind protection.
03
Structured using local timber logs, promoting sustainability and regional identity.
04
Passive ventilation allows for natural airflow and temperature regulation.
05
Framed openings provide unique views of the surrounding valley landscape.

The Kiwi cabin is set in a natural landscape that emphasizes harmony with its surroundings. The design aims to create a space for meditation and self-reflection, drawing inspiration from the gentle shape of the kiwi bird. With its soft, rounded profile, the cabin offers a place for people to connect with nature while enjoying a tranquil retreat.

Form and Spatial Organization

The structure comprises two parallel spaces divided by a perforated skin. This design creates a cocoon-like interior that encourages calmness and openness. The north-south axis is intentionally left open to welcome sunlight and breezes, while the east-west axis is closed to provide protection from harsh winds and direct sunlight. This specific orientation highlights the cabin’s responsiveness to the climate, ensuring comfort for its occupants.



Materiality and Construction

Local timber logs are fundamental to the cabin's construction. They have a profile of 15 x 15 cm and a length of 180 cm, complemented by a wood frame with a thickness of 5 cm and a depth of 60 cm. The logs are arranged in an offset manner, creating a lightweight structure that allows light and air to flow freely. This arrangement not only enhances the spatial quality but also simplifies the assembly process, making it easy to organize and construct on-site.



Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light plays an important role in the cabin's design. Openings in the structure allow soft, filtered sunlight to illuminate the interior throughout the day. This helps to create a warm atmosphere while blocking harsh sunlight. The larger apertures facilitate passive ventilation, allowing warm air to escape and maintaining a comfortable climate without mechanical systems.



Connection to the Surroundings

The cabin’s form allows for varied views, providing both close glimpses of the surrounding greenery and broader perspectives of the valley. This design integrates direct frames that highlight the landscape, reinforcing the relationship between the interior space and the natural environment. Attention to these details encourages occupants to appreciate the beauty of nature from within, creating a fulfilling experience during their time in the cabin.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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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

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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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