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Plant-Based Foil and Cozy Spaces in a Sustainable Forest Retreat

Authors:
Sebastian Seibert, Christian Brönner
Plant-Based Foil and Cozy Spaces in a Sustainable Forest Retreat
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With a focus on cozy living spaces enhanced by plant-based foil for durability, this retreat offers serene self-reflection in a sustainable forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cozy sleeping compartment designed for privacy and comfort.
02
Multifunctional staircase connects open meditation areas with varied perspectives.
03
Cross-ventilation facilitated by strategically placed openable windows.
04
Biodegradable materials used throughout for environmental sustainability.
05
External access to drinking water storage enhances self-sufficiency.

Hide n' Seek is a living space designed to promote personal reflection while being closely connected to nature. Located in a forested area, the design focuses on creating tranquility through its layout and the use of natural light. The structure encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings, enhancing their experience of solitude and mindfulness in a serene environment.

Conceptual Design
The design is centered around the idea of fostering a peaceful atmosphere. It features two main open areas intended for meditation and contemplation, connected by a multifunctional staircase. This staircase not only provides access between levels but also offers opportunities for observing the scenery from different angles. The arrangement of spaces strikes a balance, allowing for both openness and a sense of privacy.

Material Selection
The primary materials used in construction include steel and wood. Steel helps to ensure the strength and stability of the framework, while wood adds warmth and blends well with the natural surroundings. Stacked plank walls are utilized for insulation, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the changing seasons. Large, openable windows facilitate airflow and bring in natural light, contributing to a refreshing living environment.

Spatial Functionality
A sleeping compartment within the structure is designed to offer comfort and security. It features a layout that is intimate yet spacious enough to relax. Essential amenities, such as a sink for personal hygiene and a tea preparation area, are integrated into the design. This practicality supports the minimalist approach, providing necessary comforts while maintaining focus on the overall intention of the space.

Sustainability Features
The design prioritizes sustainability through the use of biodegradable materials and minimal foundations. This choice makes relocation easier and reduces environmental impact. A protective plant-based foil is applied to wooden surfaces to help shield against weathering. Attention is also given to details like access to drinking water storage and separate areas for wastewater management, enhancing the self-sufficiency of the dwelling.

Natural light plays a key role in the design, as the windows frame views of the surrounding landscape, inviting the outside in while creating a sense of security and refuge. This careful consideration of light contributes to a calming atmosphere, where occupants can fully engage with their environment and themselves.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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