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Sunlit Retreat Featuring Transparent Glass and Corner Windows

Authors:
Mayawee Panjaphakdee, Thapana Kositchaiwat, Natchanan Bonoy, Wachiraporn Sumranjit
Sunlit Retreat Featuring Transparent Glass and Corner Windows
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With its corner windows enhancing views and a bathtub positioned to capture sunlight through a skylight, the cabin offers a tranquil retreat that emphasizes a close connection to the surrounding New Zealand landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ngāwari translates to a Māori concept of softness and simplicity, influencing the design ethos.
02
The cabin features strategically placed skylights to enhance sunlight throughout the day.
03
Corner windows provide expansive views and a unique visual connection to the landscape.
04
The relaxing area includes a fireplace, promoting warmth and comfort during evenings.
05
The bathtub is positioned to receive filtered sunlight, enhancing the bathing experience.

Ngāwari Cabin for Two is located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary of New Zealand, showcasing a design that emphasizes a strong connection to nature. It serves as a retreat where occupants can enjoy both privacy and social interaction. The design reflects the Māori concept of "ngāwari," which embodies notions of softness, ease, and simplicity. This guiding principle permeates the architecture, allowing for a tranquil yet engaging experience.

Spatial Organization

The cabin features a layout divided into three distinct areas, each catering to different needs for privacy and socialization. The central part of the cabin merges various functions, encouraging interactions among guests while providing spaces for quiet reflection. This thoughtful organization ensures that users can move between areas designed for connection and those intended for solitude.

Natural Light Integration

Panoramic windows and well-placed skylights are essential aspects of the design, allowing ample natural light to fill the interior. These features create stunning views of the fields, trees, and mountains surrounding the cabin. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day enhances the living experience, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside and providing a bright atmosphere.

Interior Features

Comfort and tranquility are key to the overall design. The living area supports morning routines, offering light and views that inspire a connection to the outside. Adjacent to it, the relaxing area has a fireplace, creating a warm and inviting space for evening enjoyment. The bedroom is positioned to maximize scenic views, featuring corner windows that frame the landscape and maintain a strong link to nature.

Unique Details

A standout feature of Ngāwari Cabin for Two is its bathtub, strategically placed to capture sunlight from the skylight. This thoughtful detail turns an ordinary bathing routine into a calming experience. It emphasizes the design's commitment to blending daily life with nature. The cabin succeeds in balancing functionality with an intimate relationship to the surrounding 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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