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Timber Framing Within a Grassland Hearth Emphasizing Community Interaction

Author:
Alexandre Karpov
Timber Framing Within a Grassland Hearth Emphasizing Community Interaction
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Constructed from timber framing and integrated within grassland, the design promotes community interaction around a central hearth, creating a gathering space that invites outdoor engagement in the Great Kemeri Bog Nature Preserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with timber framing that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape.
02
Features a central hearth designed to promote community gatherings.
03
Integrated grassland creates a visual continuity with the surrounding environment.
04
Arranged in two independent wings for operational flexibility and energy efficiency.
05
Includes a visitor tunnel that enhances the transition between nature and community spaces.

Tent Hill is located in the Great Kemeri Bog Nature Preserve, providing a connection between nature and the community. The design centers around a communal hearth, aiming to encourage social interactions among visitors. It is carefully crafted to preserve the natural beauty of the area while offering spaces for engagement and memorable experiences.

Visitor Center

The visitor center acts as a protective screen for parking areas and the nearby road. One key feature is the gateway tunnel, which directs visitors into the peaceful environment, leading them to a central fire pit that represents the heart of the community. This design invites interaction, creating a welcoming experience from the moment people arrive.

Architectural Form

The visitor center is designed like an unrolled tent. This choice adds warmth while allowing views of the surrounding landscape. The structure is integrated with grassland, effectively making the building appear as part of the hill itself. This clever design minimizes visual impact, providing visitors with a sense of being in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Tent Hill is straightforward, facilitating easy movement through the site. Different spaces are grouped into two wings, which can function independently when needed. This arrangement offers flexibility and energy efficiency. Central plumbing is accessible for all, ensuring that the facilities support visitors without detracting from their experience.

Materials

Timber framing and panels are the specified materials for the construction. These materials align with the forested environment and promote sustainability. The walls are shaped to create smooth visuals, encouraging comfort and social interactions among visitors.

Sunlight plays an important role in the design, enhancing the outdoor experience while providing shelter. The thoughtful arrangement invites people to connect with both the structure and the natural world around them.

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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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