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Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude

Authors:
Carlos Gómez Sos, Christina Voronina, Aleksei Karlinsky
Thatched Retreat Amidst Forest Solitude
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A thatched roof cabin, designed with a conical form and set within the Latvian forest, provides a serene retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatched roof enhances insulation and blends with the forest.
02
Conical shape symbolizes cyclical existence and connection to nature.
03
Interior layout clearly defines areas for meditation and rest.
04
Flexible design adapts to varying topographies of the site.
05
Folding doors facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.

Set in the quiet expanse of the Latvian forest, the meditation cabin serves as a space for reflection and calm. The design concept focuses on connecting the built environment with nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages mindfulness. This cabin aims to provide a retreat from the fast-paced modern world by offering a simple, yet thoughtful place for personal solace.

Historical Context

The design reflects ideas from historical architecture, especially the notion of protection as proposed by Vitruvius. Instead of complex forms, it takes inspiration from nature, manifesting a structure that resembles trees. This choice fosters a sense of belonging within the forest, allowing the cabin to function as both a shelter and a part of its natural surroundings.

Materiality

A significant feature is the thatched roof, which serves both practical and cultural purposes. This traditional material provides insulation, which is essential for comfort in different weather conditions. The roof's soft shape blends with the forest, making the cabin feel less like an intrusion and more like a natural extension of the landscape. This connection to local building practices emphasizes the idea that architecture can coexist with nature.

Spatial Organization

The cabin’s layout is designed to provide clear areas for meditation, rest, and essential functions. Each space is thoughtfully defined to support specific activities while promoting relaxation. This separation helps create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to deep reflection. Practicality does not compete with the sense of solitude; rather, it enhances the overall experience for those inside.

Adaptability and Interaction

The design also considers the diverse topography of the Latvian forest, allowing the cabin to adapt whether it is surrounded by dense trees, situated in an open area, or located near a lake. This flexibility ensures that the cabin maintains its connection with nature and that users can interact with their environment in different ways.

The entrance features a series of folding doors that can fully open, inviting the outdoor environment into the living space. This design choice encourages a continuous transition between inside and outside, enhancing the overall sensory experience of being in nature.

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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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