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Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements

Author:
Honggi Lim
Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements
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Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's rolling hills, the cabin's black wood cladding and local timber structure create a private retreat that emphasizes outdoor living and stargazing through its thoughtfully designed skylight.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black wood cladding enhances the cabin's integration with the natural environment.
02
The design includes offset zones for distinct living and private areas.
03
Skylight enables direct stargazing from the interior space.
04
An outdoor hot tub is centrally positioned for privacy and landscape views.
05
Local timber is used as the primary structural element for sustainability.

The cabin is designed to embody the spirit of a journey, positioned in the rolling hills of New Zealand. It harmonizes with the landscape, creating a space where nature and living coexist. The structure serves as both a home and a retreat, rooted in the simplicity and beauty of its surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The design divides the cabin into two distinct zones. One zone includes the kitchen and living area, where large windows frame views of the hills. This section encourages social interaction and communal activities, making it a lively space for occupants. The other zone features a bedroom and bathroom, providing a private area that prioritizes comfort and tranquility.

Connection to Nature

A key feature of the cabin is the outdoor hot tub, positioned between the two zones. This thoughtful placement allows for privacy while keeping occupants connected to the landscape. Expansive decks extend from the openings of the cabin, removing the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design invites nature into daily life.

Architectural Details

Attention is given to the skylight, which enhances the cabin's connection to the night sky. When the sun sets, the interior space transforms into a canvas for stargazing. This feature adds a unique aspect to the experience of being in the cabin, encouraging occupants to connect with the celestial world above.

Material Selection

The choice of materials is aimed at blending the cabin with its natural setting. The exterior features black wood roof cladding, which adds longevity and integrates with the landscape. Local timber serves as the main structural element, promoting sustainability through the use of materials sourced from the immediate area.

The integration of the hot tub and the surrounding decks creates a fluid transition between the inside and outside, enriching the experience of living in this unique environment.

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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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