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Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat

Authors:
Paolo Mastronardi, Dalila Santoro
Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat
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With sloping walls and a transparent plexiglass façade, the design enhances the interaction between interior spaces and the surrounding pine forest, creating a sustainable retreat focused on relaxation and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes golden ratios for pod dimensions.
02
Transparent façade allows for abundant natural light.
03
Sleeping pods can adapt to various terrains.
04
Materials chosen for full recyclability and sustainability.
05
Focused on enhancing user connection to the surrounding nature.

The project in Val de Moses embraces principles of balance and stability found in the practice of Asana. Located among the serene pine forests, the design seeks to create a retreat that promotes psychophysical well-being. It focuses on connecting the structure with nature, encouraging a relationship that enhances the overall experience for its users.

Design Concept

The design process began with careful observation of local building forms, especially cottages featuring pitched roofs and tent-like structures. This analysis informed the dimensions and layouts of the sleeping pods, which were developed using the golden ratios to ensure harmony with their natural setting. The result is a design that aims to fit comfortably into the landscape while offering a peaceful space for relaxation.

Spatial Organization

The layout is thoughtfully arranged, with specific areas designated for relaxation and meditation. These spaces are crafted to enhance mindfulness, featuring clear pathways and functional zones that invite users to engage with both interior and exterior settings. The design prioritizes the user experience, allowing for a strong interaction with the surrounding environment.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in the construction, emphasizing sustainability and connection to nature. Wood is used as the main structural element and for cladding, lending warmth to the design. The façade incorporates plexiglass to let in natural light, bridging the gap between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Steel is utilized for various carpentry elements, offering structural support, while metal bars enhance stability. Foundations are constructed from durable materials, providing a solid base across different terrains.

Functional Adaptability

A key feature of the sleeping pods is their adaptability, allowing them to be placed on various terrains with foundations designed on poles. This approach offers versatility and the option for relocation if needed. Each pod is crafted to accommodate different landscapes without sacrificing stability or visual appeal.

The sloping walls of the sleeping pods contribute to an engaging visual presence and enhance the overall experience while maintaining a connection with the surrounding nature. These thoughtful design choices reflect a commitment to blending architecture harmoniously with the environment.

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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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