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Skylit Huts with Natural Timber and Private Garden Spaces

Authors:
Anu Rao, Krishna Salim, Ranjith Akkarathodi
Skylit Huts with Natural Timber and Private Garden Spaces
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Featuring skylights and natural timber construction, the huts offer private outdoor garden spaces designed for quiet reflection and creativity among poets and artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each hut features skylights that enhance natural light and plant growth.
02
Timber construction reflects local architectural traditions while providing sustainability.
03
Private garden spaces foster a direct connection to the surrounding rainforest.
04
The design includes communal areas encouraging social interaction among users.
05
Strategically placed balcony decks create seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors.

The Thinking Huts project offers creative spaces designed specifically for poets and artists. Located in a tropical rainforest, these huts provide a quiet retreat that encourages deep thinking and artistic expression. The design prioritizes comfort and privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the natural surroundings. Each hut becomes a personal sanctum, allowing users to engage fully with their creativity.

Design Concept

The design concept focuses on creating an environment that promotes tranquility and inspiration. Huts are strategically placed to offer privacy while providing views of the lush landscape. Entering through balcony decks enhances the experience, making the transition from the outdoor world to the interior feel special. The layout of the huts is intuitive, inviting occupants to connect with their surroundings.



Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the huts feature open spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. This design allows for indoor gardens, where natural light plays a key role. Skylights above the toilets let sunlight filter in, supporting both the plants and the occupants’ well-being. The aim is to create nurturing spaces that celebrate the essence of nature while fostering a sense of comfort.



Material Selection

Timber, stone, and glass are the main materials used in the construction of the huts. Timber provides warmth and sustainability, connecting the structures with the local environment. Stone adds durability and helps create a rugged charm that fits the setting. Glass is used thoughtfully, offering transparency that enhances the connection to the outside while ensuring privacy.



Social Interaction

The design encourages social interaction through shared areas. Spaces like the Hot Spot invite visitors to gather and connect with one another. These communal areas balance the secluded nature of the huts, supporting both personal reflection and group engagement. This duality reflects a comprehensive approach to the needs of the users, allowing for both solitude and community.



A notable design feature is the integration of greenery, both inside and out. Plants are carefully placed to enhance the design while promoting a calming atmosphere. This element ensures that the Thinking Huts are not just structures, but also extensions of the rich forest that surrounds them, creating a harmonious place for creativity and reflection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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