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Elevated Timber Structures Integrated with a Canopy Walkway and Sunken Garden

Author:
Trent Freeman
Elevated Timber Structures Integrated with a Canopy Walkway and Sunken Garden
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Elevated on stilts, the design incorporates a canopy walkway and a sunken garden, creating accessible spaces for communal YOGA and dining while promoting a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on timber stilts to minimize site disturbance.
02
Includes a canopy walkway for enhanced accessibility.
03
Features a sunken garden for on-site food cultivation.
04
Utilizes double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.
05
Incorporates a greywater system for sustainable water management.

The Hidden Forest project is a thoughtful design situated in a natural landscape, focused on promoting wellness through activities like YOGA and communal dining. It emphasizes a strong connection between the buildings and their surroundings. Elevated on stilts, the two slim structures harmonize with the sloping terrain, allowing for minimal disruption of the natural site while offering expansive views.

Design Concept

The design is based on the idea of unity between the mind, body, and nature, which reflects the essence of YOGA. Elevating the buildings creates a visual relationship with the trees in the surrounding forest, enhancing the spatial experience. Important areas designed for YOGA, cooking, dining, and restroom facilities are all accessible to users of varying mobility levels.

Spatial Configuration

The project features a canopy walkway and a sunken garden, creating a connection between the buildings and the environment. The walkway ensures that all areas are reachable for people with different mobility needs. The garden provides spaces for quiet reflection and interaction with nature. Areas for planting support growing food on-site, which promotes sustainability and engages the local community.

Material Considerations

Materials used in Hidden Forest have been chosen to balance aesthetic appeal with practical performance. The structural framing is made from timber, providing warmth and good insulation. A concrete slab bolsters stability and durability. The double-glazed windows help improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss. These material selections are in line with the project’s sustainable goals and complement the overall design.

Sustainability Measures

The design includes essential sustainable features, such as a greywater system and French drains to effectively manage water runoff. Solar panels are included to enhance energy efficiency, promoting self-sufficiency. This focus on ecological responsibility is evident in practical elements that improve the user experience, reinforcing the importance of caring for the environment.

The way the buildings rise above the ground and the numerous openings for natural light create an atmosphere of tranquility inside. The interplay of light and shadow adds to the calming experience, allowing users to feel a deeper connection to nature.

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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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