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Suspended Timber Pavilion Enveloped in Nature’s Layers

Author:
Chi Chun Choi
Suspended Timber Pavilion Enveloped in Nature’s Layers
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Constructed using modular timber and suspended elements, the pavilion offers a dynamic experience in nature while serving as an educational space for visitors to engage with local flora and the history of timber.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular timber for easy relocation.
02
Features suspended elements that create a gentle swaying motion.
03
Infused educational components regarding local tree species.
04
Transparent PTFE cover allows natural light while protecting from elements.
05
Integrates both fixed and movable benches for enhanced user experience.

The pavilion project is designed to sit on a hillside surrounded by many trees. This location highlights the connection to nature and the sources of timber. The design is modular, allowing for easy construction and eventual disassembly. This flexibility makes it suitable for various settings and user needs. The pavilion serves as a space for interaction, encouraging visitors to engage with the trees and learn about their characteristics and the history of timber.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the pavilion is its modularity. The lightweight structure integrates well with the natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the space freely, discovering different species of trees while learning about timber. The design focuses on education, creating an experience that fosters a deeper understanding of natural materials.

Structural Features

Key structural elements are important to the pavilion's function and visual appeal. The pathways feature modular designs that allow for easy movement. Fixed and suspended components add interest to the space. As people walk through the suspended areas, they experience a slight sway, reminiscent of being on a bridge. Movable benches encourage visitors to stop and reflect on their surroundings.

Materiality

Materials used in the pavilion emphasize sustainability. Modular timber serves as the main construction material. Steel is included for added support, making the lightweight design stable. A transparent PTFE cover ensures protection from the weather while allowing daylight to enter the space. Traditional joinery techniques, like the mortise and tenon joint, reinforce the modular components, showcasing attention to craftsmanship. Steel wire connects the walkways, supporting the overall structure.

Dynamic Interaction

The pavilion encourages interaction between visitors and the environment. Movable parts invite engaging experiences rather than passive observation. Informational panels can be easily relocated, making it possible to offer knowledge about timber and its ecological importance. The design considers user experience and environmental context, resulting in a space where form and function work together effectively.

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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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