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Elevated Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating into Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Lukas Jusas, Elena Paleckyte, Magdalena Beliavska
Elevated Cabins with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating into Natural Surroundings
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Elevated on stilts and constructed from cross-laminated timber, these cabins blend seamlessly into the landscape while offering spaces for meditation and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground impact for ecological preservation.
02
Use of cross-laminated timber enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Outward-opening windows frame valley views and promote nature engagement.
04
Biological water treatment system allows for sustainable wastewater reuse.
05
Innovative storage solutions expand sleeping areas to accommodate guests.

The design focuses on creating sleeping cabins within the ecological setting of Vale de Moses. These cabins function as both restful spaces and tranquil retreats that promote a connection with nature. The overall design concept highlights a careful alignment with the surrounding landscape, ensuring environmental respect and privacy for the occupants.

Cabin Placement and Form

The cabins are elevated on stilts, which reduces their impact on the ground and helps maintain the natural environment. This positioning not only is visually appealing but also allows the structures to rise gently among the vegetation. The irregular shapes of the cabins reflect the forms of the rocky slopes and dense forests, creating a cohesive architectural identity that integrates with the site.

Interior-Exterior Relationship

Each cabin emphasizes a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces. Large windows that open outward frame views of the valley, enhancing the user experience with the landscape. Semi-outdoor meditation areas extend the living space into the natural surroundings. This design approach encourages occupants to engage with nature and fosters a sense of mindfulness.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design. Solar panels provide lighting while being placed on the least visible side of the roof, minimizing any visual disturbance. Additionally, biological water cleaning devices are located beneath the bathroom floor. These systems use bacteria to treat wastewater, allowing for the reuse of cleaned water for practical purposes.

Materiality and Spatial Efficiency

Wooden beams are the primary structural material. They provide durability and warmth to the spaces. Cross-laminated timber boards are used for the interior finishes, reinforcing the connection to nature. The design incorporates clever storage solutions, allowing the sleeping area to expand when needed. This is achieved by lifting storage lids to reveal extra mattresses, optimizing the use of space.

Top lighting above the living area enhances the internal atmosphere, creating a calm environment that supports relaxation and spiritual reflection. Each aspect of the design works together to offer a unique experience, emphasizing comfort and a connection to the outdoors.

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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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