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Coniferous Canopy of Natural Light in a Flexible Community Space

Author:
Lee Jeong Hwan
Coniferous Canopy of Natural Light in a Flexible Community Space
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Utilizing dark wood and strategically positioned louvers, the design creates dynamic interactions with natural light while fostering a flexible community space that harmonizes with its forested surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is maximized through the use of movable louvers that adapt to changing weather conditions.
02
The central core serves as an entry point, connecting various functional areas while promoting movement through the building.
03
Dark wood finishes evoke the characteristics of coniferous trees, enhancing the connection to the surrounding forest.
04
Sliding doors provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
The design emphasizes verticality, reflecting the arrangement and scale of the adjacent forest.

"Moving Forest" is an architectural design project located in Ozolini, an area defined by tall, dense trees. The project aims to integrate the building with the surrounding natural landscape. It creates a unique experience for visitors, highlighting the dynamic relationship between architecture and the environment. The design focuses on verticality, reflecting the infinite arrangement of trees while crafting spaces that respond to changes in light, weather, and human interaction.

Verticality

Verticality is a key feature of the design, mirroring the attributes of the nearby forest. The structure includes vertical elements that resemble tree trunks, enhancing the perception of nature’s variability. This incorporation encourages users to connect actively with their surroundings while reinforcing the bond with the forest.

Spatial Organization

The design features distinct spatial organization that separates different functions within the building. Each area has unique characteristics based on its orientation, creating varied atmospheres throughout the interior. A central core serves as an anchor and main entry point to the forest, promoting movement through the space and fostering engagement with the natural landscape.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Flexibility is a significant aspect of the design, enabled by a façade that can change through movable louvers and rails. This adaptability allows users to alter the building’s exterior in response to shifts in weather and sunlight. Sliding doors at the ends of each floor core create smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing interaction with the environment.

Material Integration

Specific materials are carefully selected for the project, contributing to its overall design. Dark wood is used to evoke the qualities associated with coniferous trees, while stone is chosen for flooring in workspace and core areas, reinforcing the natural connection. White concrete balances the warmth of the wood and the earthiness of the stone, resulting in a cohesive and inviting design.

The design features strategically placed louvers that enhance light distribution and create dynamic shadows within the interior. The changing patterns of light throughout the day offer a rich interaction with the environment, aligning the experience within the building to the rhythms of nature.

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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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