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Timber-Framed Retreats Embracing Nature Through Cross-Laminated Design

Author:
Liam Lowry
Timber-Framed Retreats Embracing Nature Through Cross-Laminated Design
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Crafted from cross-laminated timber, the poet retreats seamlessly integrate into their natural surroundings, providing a shared space for contemplation and creativity among artists seeking inspiration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Includes a dedicated meditation space promoting mindfulness.
03
Features a flexible layout accommodating various poet teams.
04
Natural light is maximized through large oriented windows.
05
Design allows for modular reconfiguration of living units.

The Pavalosta Poet Commune is located in the coastal city of Pavilosta, Latvia, where it acts as a retreat space specifically designed for poets. The retreat provides a calm setting that encourages creativity and personal exploration. The design includes individual living units alongside communal areas, enabling both solitude for artistic work and opportunities for social interaction.

Architecture Concept

The layout consists of clusters of poet huts surrounding a central meeting space and cafeteria. This design encourages communication and collaboration among residents while also offering private areas for focused writing and reflection. The inclusion of a meditation area enhances the experience, prompting users to engage with their thoughts and surroundings. The architecture reflects an understanding of the needs of creative individuals.

Materials and Sustainability

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and steel braces are used in the construction, offering strength and visual appeal. These materials also contribute to sustainability goals. Continuous insulation is placed within the CLT structure, which helps to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The choice of materials indicates a focus on environmentally friendly practices, supporting the ethos of the artistic community.

Modularity and Flexibility

Each hut is designed as a modular unit that can be replicated or adjusted based on the needs of residents. This flexibility allows for various configurations for single and double occupancy, including areas for work, living, and cooking. Such adaptability helps cater to different creative processes and facilitates collaboration among poets.

Community Engagement

The central meeting space is equipped with flexible seating and dining options to support both group gatherings and individual use. This design makes it easier for residents to come together, share ideas, and enjoy communal meals. Open areas foster a sense of connection, which is important for encouraging creativity within the retreat.

Large windows bring in natural light, connecting the huts to the surrounding landscape. This design element enhances the sense of calm and inspiration, enriching the overall experience for artists.

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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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