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Elevated Wood Shelter Embracing Nature and Community Harmony

Authors:
Mariana Abreu, Maria Ferreira
Elevated Wood Shelter Embracing Nature and Community Harmony
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Elevated on columns to minimize environmental impact, this wood shelter optimizes natural views and fosters community interaction through dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground impact to preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
02
Flexible modular layout supports various communal activities.
03
Incorporates large windows for enhanced natural light and landscape views.
04
Outdoor spaces create a direct connection between users and nature.
05
Focus on sustainable materials emphasizes environmental sensitivity.

ABRIGO is located in a forest surrounded by valleys and mountains. The design serves as a communal space that encourages participation in yoga, meditation, and social interaction. The overarching goal is to create an environment that respects and integrates with nature while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Conceptual Framework

The building's design emphasizes harmony with its natural surroundings. It achieves this by separating the structure from the ground with columns, which reduces the impact on the landscape. This design choice allows the forest and its features to become part of the experience for those using the space. Elevated views of the terrain enhance the connection between occupants and nature.

Spatial Organization

ABRIGO consists of several distinct modules, each serving a specific function. These include a shala, changing rooms, an entrance courtyard that can also be used for dining or sitting, and a kitchenette. Each space has its own purpose yet follows a consistent design style that maintains a sense of unity throughout the building.

Connection of Spaces

A key feature is how the project connects indoor and outdoor areas. The layout encourages movement between the different spaces, allowing users to enjoy both the structure and the environment outside. Stairs serve as important pathways for transitioning between these areas, making it easy for visitors to interact with one another and the landscape.

Material Considerations

While the specifics of materials are not extensively mentioned, the design clearly prioritizes natural options. The inclusion of wood reflects a commitment to sustainability and offers a warm aesthetic that complements the surrounding forest. This choice aims to create a long-lasting space that feels at home within its setting.

Large windows allow ample natural light into the building and frame views of the landscape, linking visitors to the outdoor world and enhancing their overall experience.

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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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