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Thatch and Timber Retreat Integrating Communal Spaces in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Steven Loutherback, Ben Dossett
Thatch and Timber Retreat Integrating Communal Spaces in a Natural Setting
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Constructed with thatch and local timber, this retreat enhances communal living through its adaptable design and operable facades, providing a seamless connection to the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced thatch, enhancing thermal performance and cultural resonance.
02
Features operable facades that promote natural ventilation and connectivity with the landscape.
03
Incorporates communal hearth in the foyer to foster social interactions among occupants.
04
Design draws from traditional Latvian building techniques, merging heritage with modern needs.
05
Timber frame structure utilizes cross-laminated panels for efficient construction and durability.

## Overview
Amber Crossings is situated within the forested landscapes of Latvia, designed to integrate modern architectural principles with local heritage. The project aims to provide a recreational cabin that fosters ecological awareness and enhances the user experience through a direct connection to nature. The design draws inspiration from traditional Latvian construction methods, ensuring that the cabin resonates with the historical and aesthetic context of the region.

### User-Centric Spatial Organization
The spatial layout of Amber Crossings is strategically developed to optimize user experience while promoting community interaction. A main foyer serves as a welcoming transitional space, drawing occupants into a cozy environment that celebrates the surrounding nature. Sleeping quarters are thoughtfully arranged to provide privacy while still encouraging communal activities in shared areas. The large entry doors act as an invitation, facilitating an engaging experience for visitors and hikers alike as they navigate through the space.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural design emphasizes the use of local materials that reflect both tradition and sustainability. Timber is the primary material used for construction and interior finishes, sourced sustainably to align with ecological goals while providing effective insulation. Stone elements, particularly in the hearth, offer a tactile contrast to wood, thus grounding the structure in its natural setting. Large windows and sliding glass walls enhance transparency and connectivity to the forest, while a thatched roof showcases traditional Latvian techniques, prioritizing cultural relevance. Steel components provide structural reinforcement, seamlessly integrating with the timber framework to ensure durability without compromising aesthetic integrity.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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