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Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats

Authors:
Tatiana Estrina, Shengnan Gao
Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats
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Suspended between trees, this lightweight cabin constructed from nylon and steel provides a flexible and unobtrusive retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, merging seamlessly with its forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended design minimizes ground impact and promotes ecological sensitivity.
02
Nylon walls enable flexible reconfiguration for various outdoor conditions.
03
Tree-anchored structure allows for easy relocation to different sites.
04
Multi-level layout maximizes space utilization in a compact footprint.
05
Integrated natural light from polycarbonate roofing enhances user experience.

### Overview
The Amber Trekking Cabin is situated within a forested context, designed to enhance human engagement with the natural environment while maintaining ecological sensitivity. Its primary intent is to facilitate recreational and ecological functions, allowing users to experience the outdoors without compromising the integrity of the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The spatial organization of the cabin is characterized by two levels. The upper level serves as the main living area, providing expansive views and flexible space for various activities. The open design, combined with differing ceiling heights, enhances both vertical and horizontal circulation, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment. The ground level is seamlessly integrated with the forest floor, offering areas for storage or additional utility as needed, further promoting adaptability in usage.

### Materiality and Environmental Interaction
The cabin's construction employs a variety of materials that serve functional and aesthetic purposes. Nylon fabric functions as an adjustable barrier for walls, doors, and windows, allowing for dynamic interaction with the environment. The structural frame is supported by wood, imparting warmth and a traditional aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels in the roof enable natural light ingress while allowing for stargazing. Steel cable supports elevate the structure, minimizing ground disturbance and maintaining a lightweight profile, while plywood decking provides a stable walking surface. This careful selection of materials not only enhances durability but also promotes a deeper relationship between the occupants and their surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience in the wilderness.

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

`
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

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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