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Fieldstone Retreat with Flowing Vaults by the River

Authors:
Michał Pietniun, Mariusz Nierzwicki
Fieldstone Retreat with Flowing Vaults by the River
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Constructed with local fieldstones and rough wooden planks, the cabins along a serpentine path offer unobstructed views of the river, creating a tranquil space for travelers to connect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced fieldstones, enhancing site integration.
02
Cabins arranged along a winding path to encourage exploration.
03
Each cabin offers uninterrupted views of the adjacent river.
04
Rough wooden planks create a tactile experience on interiors and exteriors.
05
Design reflects the natural contours of the Latvian landscape.

The Archstone Dwelling, located at Caramel Shore, presents a design that reflects its connection to the Latvian landscape. The space serves as a series of traveller rooms, inviting guests to experience the natural surroundings. The layout features a collection of cabins arranged along a winding path, encouraging movement while maintaining views of the nearby river.

Materials and Construction

The design incorporates natural materials that enhance the site’s relationship with the environment. Fieldstones are used for the main retaining walls and flowing vaults, providing a solid foundation. Rough wooden planks make up the front wall and floors, adding a warm, tactile quality. Hand-made bricks also play a role, representing traditional craftsmanship and adding detail to the structures.

Spatial Relationships

The positioning of the cabins along the winding path promotes easy movement through the area. This arrangement offers visitors a chance to connect with their surroundings while allowing each cabin to enjoy clear views of the river. Each structure is thoughtfully placed to create a relationship between the inhabitants and the landscape, encouraging openness and engagement with nature.

Architectural Character

The design showcases flowing forms that mirror the contours of the terrain. The use of vaults and retaining walls gives the impression that the buildings rise naturally from the ground. This slightly irregular character creates a unique experience for visitors, illustrating the balance between the built environment and the natural setting.

These thoughtful design elements come together to form a cohesive story about the area. The materials used convey texture and warmth, making the space inviting. Together, they invite exploration and interaction, allowing visitors to connect to something deeper in the landscape.

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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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