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Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats

Author:
Nico Chua
Elevated Retreat Featuring Glazed Windows and Timber Slats
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The elevated structure, with its large glazed windows and timber slats, offers a seamless connection to the forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat for guests seeking solitude in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land disturbance.
02
Large glazed windows enhance natural light and views.
03
Incorporates an efficient rainwater collection system.
04
Timber slats provide structural support and aesthetic warmth.
05
Compact footprint facilitates easy assembly and transport.

The views³ pod is a retreat designed to provide a calming environment in a forest setting. It aims to create a space where people can connect with nature and enjoy a break from daily life. The design prioritizes simplicity and functionality. The structure is compact, yet fully equipped to serve as a comfortable accommodation.

Spatial Organization

Inside the views³ pod, the layout maximizes the use of space. It features specific areas for living, storage, and restroom facilities. This organization allows people to move easily and live comfortably within a small area. By elevating the structure off the ground, guests can take in views of the treetops, which enhances their experience of the surrounding environment while reducing their impact on the land.

Transparency and Connection

Large floor-to-ceiling windows play a significant role in the design. They allow ample natural light to enter the space and create a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors. This design choice invites nature into the living area and provides a constantly changing backdrop that enriches daily activities. The result is a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and appreciation for the natural world outside.

Sustainable Features

The pod incorporates various sustainable design features, with a focus on minimizing its environmental impact. A water collection and reuse system is integrated into the structure. The slanted roofs effectively channel rainwater into gutters, which direct the water to storage tanks. This system provides practical benefits while highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in an outdoor setting.

Materiality

The materials used in the views³ pod support its design and functionality. Timber slats are utilized for structural elements, promoting a connection with the forest. The large glazed glass windows not only provide daylight but also ensure good thermal performance. A metal frame supports the structure, enhancing its stability. Non-loadbearing walls define spaces without adding unnecessary weight. Inside, hardwood flooring contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it an inviting place for visitors.

The careful design of the views³ pod reflects a commitment to environmental sensitivity and user experience. Each detail has been chosen to enhance interaction with the natural setting, offering a space that encourages reflection and tranquility.

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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.

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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