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Cross-Laminated Timber and Glass Retreat Nestled in a Woodland Setting

Cross-Laminated Timber and Glass Retreat Nestled in a Woodland Setting
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Employing cross-laminated timber and expansive glass facades, this woodland retreat provides a harmonious living and working environment for artists seeking inspiration in a tranquil natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the sloped roofs.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing an aesthetic connection to the forest.
03
Each micro-home features a modular interior layout for flexible living and workspace arrangements.
04
Strategically placed glass facades optimize natural light and views while minimizing energy use.
05
A communal building fosters collaboration among artists, enhancing the sense of community.

### Overview

Located near Seattle, USA, the Birdhouses Artists Residency integrates residential space for artists within a densely forested setting. The project aims to foster artistic engagement and community collaboration while emphasizing sustainability. Each structure serves not only as a living space but also as a creative retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a compact arrangement of micro-homes, each approximately 25 square meters, featuring innovative multi-functional layouts. The lower level accommodates essential living areas—kitchen, dining, and lounging—while the mezzanine provides additional sleeping space, all characterized by flexible and changeable configurations. Key architectural elements, such as the sloped roof, facilitate rainwater collection and enhance visual connections with the landscape. Expansive windows further dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing for natural light and views of the surrounding forest.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and integration with nature. Extensive use of wood provides warmth and aligns with the natural environment, while large glass panels maximize light and views. Insulated metal panels contribute to energy efficiency, and features such as solar panels and water collection systems underscore the project’s ecological focus. Additionally, movable furniture facilitates adaptability within the living spaces. Shared workshop spaces and communal areas enhance community engagement, promoting collaboration among residents. Each micro-home is elevated to minimize ecological impact, further reflecting the project's ecological sensitivity and innovative architectural approach.

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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

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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

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