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Foldable Roof Integrating Larch Wood and Natural Light for Mindful Living

Authors:
Julia Gross, Fabian Kitzberger
Foldable Roof Integrating Larch Wood and Natural Light for Mindful Living
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A foldable roof and walls made of larch wood create an immersive experience within the forest, encouraging mindfulness and reflection in a compact cabin designed for retreat and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable roof and walls allow for direct interaction with the surrounding forest.
02
Users engage in physical tasks, such as collecting firewood and filtering water, to foster mindfulness.
03
The structure incorporates a gravity light system for energy-efficient illumination.
04
It features a composting toilet that uses sawdust to manage waste naturally.
05
Rainwater collection is utilized for washing, promoting resource self-sufficiency.

The Mindful Cabin is a unique structure designed to enhance interaction with nature while providing a space for reflection and relaxation. Located in a tranquil natural environment, the cabin serves as a retreat that encourages mindfulness and connection to its surroundings. The design concept revolves around blending shelter with openness, featuring a foldable roof and wall that invite the outdoors inside.

Design Concept

At the heart of the Mindful Cabin is its ability to create a dialogue between interior spaces and the forest outside. The traditional house design has been cleverly split in half. This allows for versatile use, making it a space for both meditation and creativity. Users can experience the forest as an integral part of their living space, promoting activities that foster relaxation and contemplation.

Mindful Living

The cabin promotes a lifestyle centered on mindfulness by requiring users to engage actively with their environment. Instead of enjoying instant access to amenities, visitors must gather firewood and carry filtered water. These simple tasks encourage appreciation for everyday resources and serve as a reminder of the value of nature. This hands-on approach not only reduces waste but also helps guests reflect on their consumption habits and the importance of sustainability.

Sustainable Infrastructure

The structure includes components designed for ecological responsibility and practicality. A multifunctional fireplace provides both warmth and a cooking surface, helping reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. The composting toilet uses sawdust to manage odors, providing an effective and environmentally friendly solution. Additionally, the cabin incorporates a rainwater collection system for washing, minimizing the demand for external water resources.

Innovative Features

The cabin showcases practical design elements that enhance usability. The gravity light system offers an energy-efficient way to illuminate the space. Similarly, the filtered water canister lacks a traditional sink, which helps reduce waste. The foldable roof and wall utilize a low-tech weight balance system and gas struts for easy operation. These functional features, combined with the use of larch wood shingles and planks for structural elements, reflect a commitment to local and renewable materials.

The Mindful Cabin creates a focused experience of living, where each aspect encourages users to connect with their environment. It supports a way of life that values awareness, appreciation, and responsible use of nature's resources.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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