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Timber Huts Embracing Nature with Thoughtful Pathways and Community Space

Author:
Eszter Szilágyi
Timber Huts Embracing Nature with Thoughtful Pathways and Community Space
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Timber huts are arranged to enhance privacy while embracing the natural landscape, connected by pathways that foster community interaction, serving as a tranquil retreat for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber huts are oriented southwest for optimal views and privacy.
02
Pathways enhance connectivity, promoting exploration throughout the site.
03
Design integrates local architectural forms, reflecting regional culture.
04
Minimalist bathroom layouts maximize space while ensuring comfort.
05
Natural wood finishes create a warm ambiance within each unit.

The architectural design is located in Latvia, a region known for its vast lowland plains, gentle hills, and extensive coastline. This environment enhances the natural beauty of the setting while informing the design choices made throughout the project. The intention is to provide comfortable living spaces that are in tune with the surroundings. By integrating afforestation and careful building orientation, the design creates inviting environments that promote a connection with nature.

Design Concept

The design centers around harmonizing built structures with the landscape. Buildings are positioned to face south, allowing for maximum natural light which enhances the interiors. Guest accommodations take the form of huts, strategically placed along the edge of a field and oriented southwest. This arrangement allows for beautiful views while ensuring each hut offers privacy. Such thoughtful planning encourages a relationship with the natural surroundings.

Pathways and Community Spaces

Pathways weave through the site, inviting exploration and interaction among guests. These paths enhance connectivity between different areas, promoting social engagement. The main building serves as the kitchen and dining area, designed for communal living. With movable furniture, the space adapts easily to various group sizes and occasions, allowing for gatherings. Furthermore, built-in bookshelves and seating areas offer functionality while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Material Choices

Wood is the primary material used throughout. It supports a light structure, aligns with local building traditions, and helps keep the project aligned with sustainable practices. The choice of timber not only enhances the overall visual appeal but also reduces the carbon footprint. Local materials strengthen the connection between the buildings and their environment, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility.

The huts are designed with minimalist bathrooms that ensure privacy without compromising the overall living experience. Each unit's layout facilitates smooth transitions between sleeping and bathing areas, creating comfort for guests. Natural wood finishes contribute to a warm feel inside, enhancing the occupants' experience against the backdrop of the serene Latvian landscape.

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MICROHOME 2026
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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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