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Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins with Outdoor Integration for Enhanced Accessibility

Cross-Laminated Timber Cabins with Outdoor Integration for Enhanced Accessibility
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber, these micro cabins integrate communal outdoor spaces and planning for accessibility, offering a functional retreat for wheelchair users amid nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and structural performance.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to promote natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes accessible outdoor spaces designed specifically for communal use and interaction.
05
Strategically located to create seamless connections with the surrounding natural environment.

## Overview
The micro cabins for wheelchair users project is located in Toney, Utah, and focuses on enhancing accessibility in outdoor environments through the design of compact living spaces. The initiative aims to provide both individual accommodation and collective experiences, fostering community engagement among residents while accommodating the specific needs of wheelchair users.

## Design Philosophy and Spatial Strategy
The design approach integrates outdoor exploration with principles of sustainable living. Each cabin is conceived as a flexible, multifaceted structure that encourages connectivity to the surrounding landscape. The open-box configuration of the cabins facilitates an indoor-outdoor relationship, allowing natural light and ventilation while promoting an active lifestyle. The layout is strategically planned to support communal areas outside the cabins, enhancing opportunities for social interaction and shared activities among residents.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The cabins are primarily constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), selected for its strength and ecological benefits. Sustainable insulation materials, energy-efficient appliances, and environmentally friendly interior finishes further reinforce the project’s commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind turbines, alongside rainwater harvesting to ensure resource conservation. Such material and design choices align with passive and regenerative orientation, reinforcing the functionality and environmental stewardship of the micro cabins.

## Accessibility Features
Attention to accessibility is a core aspect of the design, with features optimized for wheelchair users. The cabins include spacious interiors with wide doorways and conveniently placed appliances to facilitate ease of use in kitchen and bathroom areas. This thoughtful configuration ensures that all users can navigate their environments comfortably, enhancing overall usability and independence within the cabins.

The overall structure aims to create networks of micro communities that enable wheelchair users to access natural settings that were previously challenging, thus expanding opportunities for adventure and social engagement in the outdoors.

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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?

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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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