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Thatch Roof Pavilion with Cross Laminated Timber and Natural Light

Authors:
Eszter Bernadett Barna, Balázs Markó, Balázs Kósa
Thatch Roof Pavilion with Cross Laminated Timber and Natural Light
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Emphasizing a thatch roof and Cross Laminated Timber construction, this creative space fosters collaboration and individual expression while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatch roof integrates traditional roofing methods.
02
Movable walls enhance spatial adaptability for various activities.
03
The design retains an existing stone wall for historical context.
04
Natural ventilation strategies reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape.

The Painter's Barn project highlights a thoughtful blend of architecture and nature, located in a scenic area near a lake. Designed primarily for artists, the barn reflects a strong respect for its historical backdrop and the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes the importance of time and place, making the building a living extension of its environment. It serves as a space that encourages both individual creativity and shared experiences.

Sustainable Design Strategies

The approach uses passive design strategies to promote energy efficiency and environmental care. Features such as natural ventilation and carefully placed openings help improve airflow and bring in natural light, minimizing the need for mechanical systems. The layout takes climatic factors into account, ensuring a comfortable environment for users throughout the year.

Spatial Organization

Inside the Painter's Barn, the layout promotes flexibility, allowing for various configurations that suit different activities. The open floor plan resembles that of a pavilion and encourages a smooth flow between areas. Movable walls and partitions enhance this adaptability, enabling users to change the space as needed. Connections to nature are prioritized, creating a strong relationship between inside and outside.

Material Palette

The materials selected for the Painter's Barn align with the principles of sustainability and locality. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels form the primary structure, known for their strength and lower environmental impact. Modified paper-based insulation is used to maintain warmth, while thatch pays tribute to traditional roofing methods. The existing stone wall is preserved, connecting the new design with its historical surroundings.

Large windows allow ample natural light into the barn, framing views of the landscape. This focus on transparency fosters a calm atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for artistic work and inspiration.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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