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Laminated Wood Cabins Harmonizing with Forest Light

Authors:
Nicolás Vergara Anguita, Benjamin Smart Larrain, Andres Bezanilla Veas, José Francisco Paolinelli Schulz
Laminated Wood Cabins Harmonizing with Forest Light
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Laminated wood structures rise amidst the forest, designed to capture light while offering spaces for meditation and retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins designed to resemble a lighthouse for orientation in the forest.
02
Central pillar contains essential facilities, promoting efficient space use.
03
Carefully placed openings optimize natural light throughout the cabins.
04
Integration with the landscape aligns cabin heights with surrounding trees.
05
Outdoor terraces enhance the connection with the natural environment.

The design features three cabins situated in a forest: Ozolini, Forest, and Lake Bezdibenė. Each cabin draws inspiration from the concept of a lighthouse, presented as distinct points within the landscape. This approach encourages a strong connection between the buildings and their environment, highlighting the interplay of light and space that creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Design Concept

The project emphasizes light as an essential element in the overall experience. Openings are purposefully integrated throughout the structure to create a flow of light that enhances interaction with the surroundings. By aligning the cabins with the height of the surrounding trees, the design promotes a sense of unity with nature, allowing occupants to feel both grounded and elevated.

Structural Framework

The cabins are organized around two main axes: a vertical axis defined by the central chimney and a helical axis that shapes the arrangement of interior spaces. The vertical design serves both functional and visual needs, anchoring the structure while enhancing its appeal. A central pillar accommodates key facilities, such as the chimney and water installations, and allows spaces to be organized fluidly around it.

Material Use

Laminated wood beams provide the structural backbone for the cabins, ensuring stability and flexibility in design. These beams support the central pillar and contribute to the overall integrity of the structure. Using wood reflects a commitment to natural materials, helping the cabins blend in with their forested setting while promoting a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Lighting Experience

As occupants move through the cabin, carefully positioned openings invite natural light inside, creating a changing ambiance throughout the day. This thoughtful arrangement encourages reflection and strengthens the bond with the outdoors. Up top, unobstructed views from the roof allow for an appreciation of the forest canopy, enhancing the visual connection between the cabins and their natural surroundings.

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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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