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Maximizing Natural Light with Eco Cladding and Glass Elements in a Small Retreat

Authors:
Sebastian Ples, Mona Haraldsson
Maximizing Natural Light with Eco Cladding and Glass Elements in a Small Retreat
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With its eco cladding and expansive glass elements, this small cabin emphasizes energy efficiency and natural lighting, designed as a self-sufficient retreat for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features an overhead water tank integrated into the design.
02
Incorporates extensive use of glass to optimize natural lighting.
03
Utilizes eco-friendly wall cladding for enhanced hygiene.
04
Includes both an underground water tank and water pump for self-sufficiency.
05
Prioritizes natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.

The ATTEFALSHUS ECO CABIN is a contemporary retreat located in a scenic landscape, designed for sustainable living. It prioritizes self-sufficiency while creating a space that blends with its natural setting. The main idea revolves around using renewable resources effectively, making it a practical choice for modern living.

Design and Structure

The cabin features four distinct elevations, labeled A, B, C, and D. Each elevation plays a crucial role in allowing natural light to enter and providing views of the surrounding landscape. The design carefully considers how the building interacts with its environment, ensuring that it feels connected to the outdoors.

Sustainable Features

Key elements include solar panels dedicated to heating water and generating electricity. This system reduces dependence on traditional energy sources. Additionally, an overhead water tank and a water pump support the cabin's self-sustaining nature, ensuring a steady water supply for everyday use.

Interior Layout

Inside, the layout promotes natural ventilation and efficient use of space. The ground floor includes a living room of 13.425 square meters, a bathroom measuring 2.624 square meters, and two bedrooms of 6.474 square meters and 12.126 square meters. This arrangement creates a balanced environment, combining areas for social interaction with tranquil spaces for rest.

Material Considerations

The cabin’s wall cladding is designed to be eco-friendly and hygienic, underlining the importance of materials in sustainable design. Glass is used strategically to enhance natural light and provide a sense of openness. This choice enriches the interior experience, allowing occupants to feel connected to the natural surroundings.

The design incorporates practical features that allow for comfortable living while remaining in tune with ecological principles, enabling occupants to engage with nature in an inviting and meaningful way.

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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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