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Rammed Earth Foundations with Canopy-Like Timber Structure for an Immersive Nature Experience

Authors:
Ali Zolfaghari, Sina Sadeghi, Mahyar Jalali, Hosein Maghami
Rammed Earth Foundations with Canopy-Like Timber Structure for an Immersive Nature Experience
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Constructed with sustainable timber and rammed-earth foundations, the structure's canopy-like design offers a unique vantage point while providing a safe route for visitors to engage with the surrounding forest ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural durability and reduce carbon footprint.
02
The incorporation of charred wooden shingles provides natural fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
A bent A-frame design not only supports the structure but reduces wind load effects effectively.
04
The structure features a modular assembly method for efficient transportation and on-site construction.
05
Designed to harmonize with its environment, it minimizes disruption to local wildlife movement.

## Project Overview

Located within a forested area, the Green Bridge-Tower is designed to enhance user interaction with its natural context through a dual-function structure that serves as both a bridge and a viewing tower. The primary objective is to create an accessible and sustainable environment that accommodates pedestrians and wheelchair users, allowing them to engage with the landscape in a meaningful way. The project incorporates eco-friendly materials and modular construction techniques, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusivity.

### Structural Design

The integral components of the structure—the bridge and the tower—feature a gradient design that promotes easy navigation while aligning with the topography. The bridge is inclined at a five-degree slope, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The tower employs a modular approach, wherein prefabricated segments facilitate efficient assembly on-site. This method not only streamlines the construction process but also minimizes waste, reinforcing the project's sustainability goals.

### Material Selection

Timber is the primary construction material, chosen for its low carbon footprint and local heritage within Latvia's architectural practices. Its aesthetic qualities and structural capabilities enhance the overall design. Connection joints, crafted from composite materials, provide stability while optimizing resource use. Additionally, the design may integrate complementary materials, such as metal brackets and glass panels, to support functionality and durability without compromising ecological integrity.

Throughout its design, every aspect of the Green Bridge-Tower prioritizes the interaction between users and the natural environment, ensuring that the structure is both practical and harmonious with its surroundings. The emphasis on accessibility and biodiversity throughout the design further aligns with contemporary architectural standards for sustainability and user experience.

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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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