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Timber Platforms Suspended in a Natural Landscape with Rope Cladding

Author:
Patricio Hatrick
Timber Platforms Suspended in a Natural Landscape with Rope Cladding
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Suspended timber platforms, wrapped in rope cladding, create an accessible pathway through a natural landscape, providing observation points for visitors to engage with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular platforms allow for dynamic visitor movement and interaction with the landscape.
02
Rope cladding creates a semi-transparent veil that visually connects interior and exterior spaces.
03
The design includes multiple observation points at various heights for enhanced engagement with nature.
04
Manual installation of wooden piles minimizes ecological disruption during construction.
05
The structure offers cross ventilation, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate without relying on mechanical systems.

The design features a modular wooden boardwalk set within a natural landscape, guiding visitors toward a newly constructed building. Accessibility is a core focus, with platforms that shift into ramps and flat landings, allowing easy movement for individuals with disabilities. The concept emphasizes inclusivity and a strong connection to the surroundings, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Structural Elements

The foundation consists of wooden piles that support a flexible framework. These piles are wrapped in ropes, creating a semi-transparent layer that adds visual interest and illustrates the interaction of visitors with the space. The roof, made of translucent timber, takes on a shape reminiscent of a bird’s bill, helping the design blend with the environment.

Interior Spaces

Inside, spaces are open and transparent, offering views of the surrounding nature. This openness allows visitors to connect with the environment; viewpoints are carefully positioned to enhance this interaction. A central staircase provides direct access to various areas, while the top platform features a roof that offers both shade and extensive views of the site.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Ventilation is a key consideration in the overall design, with airflow encouraged through the central area and hot air expelled outside. Ropes clad the columns along the facades, linking them to a framework of metal cables. This arrangement defines spaces while promoting effective air circulation and providing shade. The result is a comfortable interior that remains connected to the outdoor climate.

Construction Methodology

Construction starts with the manual installation of wooden piles, which limits machinery use and minimizes disruption to the natural area. Columns and horizontal beams are joined with metal nodes for strength. Wooden platforms serve as both useful space and scaffolding for higher construction levels. The process is completed with the installation of the top cover, which includes modular panels, a central staircase, and the facade cladding of ropes.

An intimate observation area is integrated into the interior. This feature allows visitors to engage with nature while maintaining their privacy. Such details enhance the experience by creating moments for quiet reflection amidst the vibrant landscape.

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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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