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Elevated Cantilevered Retreat Featuring Thermal-Break Glass and Timber Cladding

Authors:
Ufaira Abida, Sulaiman Abedi
Elevated Cantilevered Retreat Featuring Thermal-Break Glass and Timber Cladding
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The cantilevered design of this retreat utilizes thermal-break glass and timber cladding to enhance views and integrate with the rural landscape, providing a serene escape for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates thermal-break glass to optimize energy efficiency.
02
Includes a cantilevered balcony for enhanced outdoor viewing.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to improve durability and aesthetics.
04
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure for distinctive silhouette.
05
Efficient open-plan layout designed for flexible use and comfort.

The Periscope Cabin represents a contemporary approach to architectural design that effectively merges living spaces with the surrounding natural landscape. Situated in a rural environment, the cabin is designed to optimize views and enhance the experience of its occupants through thoughtful spatial organization and innovative use of materials.

The primary function of the Periscope Cabin is to serve as a retreat, providing an intimate space for relaxation and interaction with the natural surroundings. The architectural design prioritizes an open layout on the ground floor, facilitating communal activities while ensuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of expansive glass elements serves to connect interior living areas with the landscape, inviting natural light and vistas into the heart of the cabin.

The cabin's design includes distinct elements that contribute to its uniqueness. The concept of a periscope is pivotal; it informs both the massing and the organization of spaces, allowing for elevated views without compromising privacy. The upper volume extends outward, creating a cantilevered balcony that promotes a higher vantage point of the surrounding topography. This aspect encourages engagement with the outdoors from various perspectives, a thoughtful choice that differentiates the Periscope Cabin from conventional cabin designs.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the overall execution of the project. Timber cladding is utilized on the exterior to create a warm, natural aesthetic that complements the landscape. Large panes of glass function not only to illuminate interior spaces but also to enhance the cabin's transparency, fostering a strong connection with nature. The integration of steel components adds structural integrity, particularly in areas requiring support for the cantilevered sections.

Additional design features include a sky-lit atrium that maximizes daylight within communal spaces and strategically placed windows that reflect views back into the living areas. These elements optimize lighting conditions while offering dynamic spatial qualities. The project emphasizes functionality through storage solutions integrated within outdoor spaces, ensuring practicality without detracting from the overall design.

In summary, the Periscope Cabin excels in marrying modern architectural principles with its natural surroundings. The design leverages unique spatial arrangements and material selections to enhance the living experience. For those interested in deeper insights, an exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural ideas will provide further clarity on this project’s thoughtful execution and innovative approaches.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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