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Hammock Retreat with Rainwater Integration and Operable Windows

Authors:
Ismail Hutet, Lynn Atme, Reem Al Awar
Hammock Retreat with Rainwater Integration and Operable Windows
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A unique outdoor hammock complements the cabin’s innovative rainwater management system and operable windows, creating a self-sufficient retreat designed for meditation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique rainwater collection system channels water for outdoor use.
02
Balcony integrated with a tea garden enhances outdoor experience.
03
Hammock space designed for relaxation in nature.
04
Operable windows throughout optimize ventilation and light.
05
Private ground level features an outdoor shower for a natural retreat.

The cabin is designed to help visitors move from busy urban life to a peaceful, meditative experience. Set in a natural environment, the design emphasizes a connection with the surroundings and creates a space for reflection and calm. The overall concept aims to provide a shelter that supports both physical needs and mental well-being.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin is organized into four levels, each serving a different purpose: silence and meditation, mind and rest, physical body needs, and a search for silence and discovery. This arrangement allows for a natural flow from areas that focus on daily activities to those dedicated to introspection. Each level plays a role in enhancing the overall experience of users.

Vertical Design Solution

To make efficient use of space, the design reduces the cabin's footprint by stacking the levels vertically, bringing a total area down from 15 square meters to just 5 square meters. This approach not only helps preserve the natural setting but also improves light and air circulation within the cabin. By removing certain volumes, the design achieves a better connection between the interior spaces and the outside environment, maximizing natural light and creating an airy feel.

Functional Layers

Each level holds specific functions that cater to the needs of the occupants. The ground level features a private area that includes an outdoor shower, a cooking fireplace, a tea garden, and a hammock. This space promotes relaxation and encourages interaction with nature. The first level focuses on basic physical requirements, with a kitchen, dry toilet, and storage integrated into the design. The second level combines areas for work and rest, including a bed, workspace, and a balcony that overlooks the tea garden. This arrangement supports both productivity and quiet moments. The third level offers a calm space for meditation, equipped with operable windows and storage for cushions, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Sustainable Integration

Sustainability is a key consideration in this design. Rainwater is collected in a reservoir and used for the outdoor shower, sink, and planters, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices. A unified chimney serves all levels of the cabin, providing efficient heating across the space.

An operable floor panel adds flexibility, allowing occupants to extend their usable area and strengthen their connection to the outdoors. Sliding windows that reach the roof height allow for fresh air and natural light, enhancing the living experience and reinforcing the cabin's relationship with its environment.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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