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Mirror Solar Panels and Triangular Form in a Sustainable Forest Cabin

Author:
Carlos San Valentín Vitón
Mirror Solar Panels and Triangular Form in a Sustainable Forest Cabin
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The triangular form of the cabin, clad in mirror solar panels that efficiently harvest energy and rainwater, creates a sustainable living space designed for meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features mirror solar panels that blend into the landscape while generating energy.
02
Rainwater is collected through the exterior skin and filtered for drinking.
03
The design incorporates a triangular floor plan that enhances spatial versatility.
04
A dry toilet system supports ecological hygiene without traditional plumbing.
05
Constructed to leave minimal environmental impact during and after use.

The META Cabin is located in the quiet forest of Ozolini, Latvia. It serves as a simple living space designed for meditation and self-reflection. The overall concept centers on how the building relates to its natural surroundings, using a unique geometric shape to enhance its presence in the landscape.

Geometric Form and Spatial Arrangement
The cabin has a triangular design derived from a rotated cube shape. This interesting form helps to make good use of space inside. The arrangement of rooms is open and adaptable, allowing for a variety of activities. Large windows let in light, connecting the interior with the natural world outside.

Sustainable Systems and Resource Management
At its core, the cabin emphasizes sustainability through smart design choices. Its exterior is covered in solar panels that serve a dual purpose: they generate electricity and collect rainwater. This rainwater is funneled into an internal system that purifies it, making it safe to drink. Such systems reduce reliance on outside resources and minimize the environmental impact.

Health, Sanitation, and Environmental Respect
The design includes a dry toilet that contributes to efficient waste management. This feature reflects an awareness of environmental concerns and practical living needs. Additionally, the construction process ensures that there is little disruption to the natural surroundings, keeping the forest intact and undisturbed.

The light that dances across the mirrored surface of the solar panels adds a distinctive detail to the cabin. This visual effect makes the building feel alive, engaging both those who live within it and the nature that envelops it.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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