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Reflective Glass Wall with Natural Wood and Stone Elements in a Forest Cabin

Author:
Andreas Amdahl
Reflective Glass Wall with Natural Wood and Stone Elements in a Forest Cabin
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A reflective glass wall and locally sourced wood combine to create a tranquil cabin that elevates meditation above the forest floor, fostering a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass wall enhances light and views while maintaining privacy.
02
Elevated meditation space fosters a unique perspective among the treetops.
03
Large skylight directs natural light directly onto the podium area.
04
Use of locally sourced wood reinforces site-specific materiality.
05
Podium serves dual functions for meditation and practical applications.

The cabin is located in a forest clearing and is designed to immerse visitors in the natural surroundings. The layout makes use of the site’s slope, elevating the meditation area above ground. This positioning allows people to feel as if they are surrounded by trees rather than standing on solid ground. The primary goal is to create a tranquil environment that encourages contemplation and connection with nature.

Exterior Integration

The shape of the cabin resembles an object rather than a conventional building. Its exterior is made with reflective surfaces, allowing it to blend into the landscape. This design choice creates a sense of unity with nature, emphasizing that the structure complements rather than competes with its surroundings. The cabin is set up to enhance the feeling that one is part of the forest.

Interior Configuration

Inside, the design shifts towards natural elements, moving away from the camouflaged exterior. When entering the cabin, visitors experience an expanding space, culminating in a large glass wall that frames the trees outside. This feature not only lets in natural light but also deepens the connection to the immediate environment. Next to the glass wall is a podium, which serves two purposes: it can be used for meditation or for practical activities like working with flower essences. The podium receives direct sunlight from a large skylight positioned above it, emphasizing its importance in the design.

Material Choices

The structure uses locally sourced wood, reinforcing the connection to the site. Visible posts and beams add a rustic quality to the interior. The walls, floors, and ceilings are finished with light parquet, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each material element has been chosen to enhance the overall experience of being in a natural setting.

Construction Techniques

Simple construction methods support the project’s sustainable goals. Wood framing rests on a pier and beam foundation, reducing the need for large amounts of concrete. This approach makes the building lightweight and more adaptable to its environment. The cladding combines mirrors and two-way mirrors for the windows, allowing people inside to see outside while maintaining privacy.

The design includes a large skylight that bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces. It provides daylight during the day and allows the occupants to feel connected to the forest while using the podium. This aspect of the design promotes a sense of calm and a greater awareness of the surrounding nature.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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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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