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Curvilinear Form Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Nature-Integrated Wellness Space

Authors:
Lorenzo Maria Trentuno, Renzi Lorenzo, Menozzi Roberto
Curvilinear Form Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Nature-Integrated Wellness Space
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Curvilinear pathways guide visitors through an ecological retreat constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, seamlessly blending wellness experiences with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design enhances flow and interaction within the space.
02
Extensive use of local materials minimizes environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance.
04
Elevated structure reduces ground disturbance and preserves landscape.
05
Integrated courtyards foster both privacy and community engagement.

### Concept Overview
Located within a serene landscape bordered by a forest and a lake, the project invites exploration of a therapeutic spa experience. The design prioritizes social interactions by offering a range of spaces that transition from communal areas, such as a restaurant, to more private, contemplative environments within the natural setting. This focused spatial organization facilitates a variety of user experiences that are both engaging and restorative.

### Spatial Configuration
The arrangement of the spa exemplifies an organic layout characterized by flowing curves and gentle transitions, reflecting natural patterns. Pathways are designed to guide visitors through a sensory journey, connecting various therapeutic stations while encouraging an immersive experience in the landscape. Key features include:

- **Pathway Design**: Curved pathways promote an intuitive flow that leads users through spaces, enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.
- **Courtyard Integration**: The inclusion of courtyard spaces supports relaxation and socialization, blending communal and private areas harmoniously.
- **Ecological Sensitivity**: The building's form emphasizes transparency and openness, utilizing voids and glazing to facilitate interaction with nature and wildlife.

### Materiality and Construction
The project employs a thoughtful combination of materials that reflects a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic harmony:

- **Wood**: Locally sourced timber serves as the primary structural element, establishing a warm, organic connection to the landscape.
- **Glass**: Extensive use of glazing enhances visibility and offers expansive views, creating a continuous indoor-outdoor relationship that enriches the user experience.
- **Concrete**: This material provides necessary structural support, particularly in elevated sections, while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic consistent with the overall design philosophy.

The careful selection of materials and forms serves to minimize ecological disruption while promoting user engagement with the site.

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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.

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