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Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating

Authors:
Chris Green, Elina Kivilande
Living Roof Lodge with Timber Canopy and Biomass Heating
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Constructed with a living roof and elevated timber canopy, the lodge utilizes biomass heating to create a sustainable retreat that encourages communal living and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a living roof to enhance insulation and biodiversity.
02
Features an elevated timber canopy for natural ventilation and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates biomass heating systems for reduced carbon footprint.
04
Utilizes greywater recycling to support sustainable water management.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.

Maaja - Lodge is situated in a landscape filled with meadows, forests, and water. The lodge aims to enhance the connection between visitors and nature while promoting communal living and wellness. The design brings together indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an experience that prioritizes sustainability and healthy living.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Maaja - Lodge is the idea of fostering social interaction and relaxation. The Ozolini Tea Trail is an important feature of the project. It includes various spaces such as a trail hub, communal lounge, kitchen and dining areas, yoga rooms, tea workshops, accommodation, and storage. Each space is designed to cater to both individual needs and community activities, providing visitors with a rich experience.

Sustainability Features

The lodge emphasizes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient systems. The living roof provides insulation while supporting local wildlife. Canopy overhangs help reduce the heat from the sun, and triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency throughout the building. Additional energy systems like biomass stoves, photovoltaic panels, and air source pumps further decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to environmentally responsible practices.

Structural Elements and Site Design

Accommodation options are designed for comfort and practicality. Relaxation areas are arranged to allow guests to unwind after exploring the outdoors. The communal kitchen and dining areas promote shared meals, encouraging social connections. Structural features such as stoves with seating foster interaction. Sunken areas provide natural cooling, and elevated parts of the lodge utilize local timber for building materials.

The site design strengthens the lodge's relationship with its environment through platforms above water levels, offering guests pleasant views. Mirrors integrated into the design reflect surrounding vegetation, expanding the visual space and reinforcing the connection between the lodge and nature.

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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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