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Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats

Authors:
Estelle Desallais, Paule Perron, Lina Jaïdi
Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats
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Characterized by its sustainable greywood construction and integrated water gardens, the design creates an immersive communal retreat that harmonizes living spaces with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with eco-certified greywood, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
02
Water gardens effectively treat greywater while providing a tranquil outdoor setting.
03
Utilizes expanded cork insulation for superior energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
04
Large, strategically placed windows create unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The design incorporates a communal restaurant positioned among mature oak trees to foster social interaction.

## Overview

Located in the Latvian forest, the Cabin Fever project emphasizes the relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to create a holistic living space that incorporates eco-friendly materials, fostering an awareness of the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The layout consists of several elements including multiple cabins, a communal restaurant, a spa, and water gardens. Each structure is strategically positioned to enhance views and provide access to outdoor spaces, promoting community interaction while ensuring privacy. The decentralized arrangement allows for an organic flow between buildings and nature, facilitating a communal experience without sacrificing individual retreat spaces. Public areas such as the restaurant and spa are distinctly separated from the private cabins, allowing residents to engage in communal activities while still enjoying moments of solitude.

## Material and Environmental Integration

The design utilizes eco-certified grey wood for cladding, providing an aesthetic that harmonizes with its surroundings. The structure incorporates insulated wood framing and large windows that maximize natural light and offer expansive views, effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete is employed in structural and water treatment elements for durability, while systems for greywater and rainwater filtration are implemented as part of the water recycling strategy. The incorporation of passive solar heating and cooling reflects the commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing overall thermal efficiency in a manner that aligns with local ecological contexts.

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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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