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Curvilinear Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Construction

Authors:
Alejandra Novelo Lugo, Luis Montoya
Curvilinear Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Construction
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the retreat seamlessly integrates with the landscape while offering a tranquil space for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that creates dynamic interior volume and natural light penetration.
04
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate on-site gardens.
05
Landscaped with native vegetation to enhance biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

### Project Overview

The design is situated in a context that encourages outdoor engagement and interaction with the natural environment. The intent is to create a space that not only serves functional purposes but also fosters a connection between users and the surrounding landscape.

### Site Layout and Functional Organization

The site plan effectively organizes various functional zones, including guest accommodations, staff areas, dining facilities, and spa amenities. This strategic arrangement promotes interaction while maintaining privacy where necessary.

- **Guest Accommodations**: These spaces are designed with distinct areas for sleeping and relaxation, complemented by private outdoor areas that enhance the overall experience for visitors.

- **Staff Zones**: Located to ensure operational efficiency without compromising privacy, the staff areas facilitate effective functionality.

- **Dining Areas**: Both indoor and outdoor dining spaces are integrated to maximize interactions with nature, enriching the dining experience through sensory engagement.

- **Spa Facilities**: The spa is designed with an emphasis on wellness, featuring therapy rooms and relaxation spaces that contribute to a holistic retreat.

### Architectural Expression and Materiality

The architectural design employs flowing forms that complement the natural topography, creating a visual harmony with the landscape. The structure incorporates a combination of solid and transparent elements, allowing for ample natural light while providing expansive views.

- **Material Selection**: Choices such as local stone and wood framing reflect a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Local stone serves as a key element in facades, promoting thermal mass and cohesion with the site.

- **Wood Finishes**: Interior finishes utilize wood to enhance warmth and create a tactile experience, further promoting a natural ambience throughout the spaces.

- **Unique Elements**: Blue clay is utilized in the spa facilities for its functional and conceptual benefits, supporting the theme of healing through natural materials.

### Water Management and Landscape Integration

The design prioritizes water management as a key component of sustainability.

- **Rainwater Harvesting**: Systems are implemented to collect rainwater, which is redirected to service an on-site food garden, enhancing self-sustainability.

- **Landscaping**: The integration of natural contours and gardens allows for a seamless relationship between the constructed and natural environments. The careful sculpting of topography enhances both drainage and visual aesthetics, reinforcing the connection to the site.

Overall, the project serves as a comprehensive approach to architectural design, balancing functionality and environmental sensitivity through careful planning and material selection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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?

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.

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