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Integrating Nature Through Straw Roofing and Timber Voids for Artistic Retreat

Authors:
Minh Nguyen, Elissa Samaha, Aya Bahr, Sara Perez
Integrating Nature Through Straw Roofing and Timber Voids for Artistic Retreat
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Incorporating voids for existing trees and utilizing straw roofing, the design creates an engaging retreat for artists that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates existing trees as integral design elements within the structure.
02
Utilizes straw roofing to reflect traditional Latvian building practices.
03
Features continuous outdoor terraces that enhance engagement with the landscape.
04
Divides spaces into private, semi-private, and public areas for diverse functions.
05
Emphasizes fragmentation in the architecture to promote varied spatial experiences.

The design is located near Cernostes Lake in South East Latvia, serving as a retreat for artists. The idea behind the project is to connect the built environment with the natural landscape. The aim is to create spaces that support creativity and reflection. This architecture invites residents to engage deeply with their surroundings, positioning the buildings as part of the landscape rather than separate from it.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

The project features a layout that emphasizes a strong relationship with nature. Outdoor terraces and thoughtfully placed voids within the buildings allow existing trees to grow through the structures. This design approach blends architecture and landscape, creating a fluid transition rather than clear boundaries. The fragmentation of space enhances the experience of movement, offering artists different settings for both concentration and inspiration.

Functional Areas

Spaces are divided into private, semi-private, and public zones, catering to families and individual artists. Private areas serve as quiet retreats for parents and children, ensuring comfort and privacy. Semi-private workshops accommodate two artists at a time, encouraging collaboration. Public gathering spots are designed to foster community interaction, allowing residents to share experiences and connect with one another.

Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The project draws inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture. Timber reflects local building techniques, while concrete adds a raw and natural texture to the design. The use of straw for roofing connects to regional practices, reinforcing the building's ties to its cultural background. To enhance interaction with the environment, large glass facades are utilized, allowing ample natural light and uninterrupted views of the landscape.

The arrangement of these elements creates a thoughtful narrative where nature and built form work together. The spaces invite creativity and contemplation, supporting the artistic pursuits of those who dwell within.

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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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