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Elevated Retreat with Coated Steel and Red Fir Harmony

Authors:
Erica Mazzoni, Silvia Zatti
Elevated Retreat with Coated Steel and Red Fir Harmony
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Elevated above the ground on a stilt system, this cabin utilizes coated steel and red fir to create a sustainable retreat that emphasizes meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation room designed to maximize morning sunlight.
02
Stilt system elevates the cabin to mitigate ground moisture.
03
Rainwater collection system with a hand pump for self-sufficiency.
04
Coated steel pillars provide structural durability and stability.
05
Windows feature triple glazing for enhanced thermal performance.

The Meditation Silent Cabin offers a calming space designed for mindfulness and reflection. Situated in a natural setting, the cabin focuses on connecting its occupants with the outdoors while providing functional areas for daily activities. The design combines simplicity and practicality, ensuring the building integrates well with its environment.

Spatial Organization

The cabin features a total area of 15 square meters, containing essential spaces like a meditation room, kitchen/living area, sleeping room, dry toilet, and terrace. The meditation room, spanning 5 square meters, is located to capture morning light, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. This careful arrangement allows each space to effectively serve its purpose while promoting a smooth transition throughout the cabin.

Structural Design

Raising the cabin on a stilt system addresses issues related to moisture from the ground. This decision comes from a careful assessment of the local climate. The structure relies on coated steel pillars for strength and durability, providing isolation from humidity. By elevating the cabin, it not only protects against weather challenges but also affords stunning views of the surroundings.

Sustainability Features

The design incorporates an efficient rainwater collection system. Water from the roof flows into a cistern located beneath the sink, which has a filtration system. A hand pump makes accessing water simple. Additionally, there is a removable cistern for managing wastewater sustainably, reflecting a commitment to responsible living without sacrificing convenience.

Performance and Insulation

Windows in the cabin include triple glazing as well as an extra layer of double glazing. This design helps with both temperature control and sound insulation. The materials chosen, such as wood beams and shingles made from red fir, along with OSB panels, create a natural aesthetic that complements the setting without overpowering it.

The cabin finishes with a terrace that encourages outdoor living. This area blends the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the views and fresh air while maintaining a feeling of shelter and comfort.

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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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