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Timber Retreat with Undulating Roofs Overlooking Forest Views

Authors:
Sadina Tursunovic, Selma Tursunovic, Lisa Ho
Timber Retreat with Undulating Roofs Overlooking Forest Views
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With its two-tier structure and triangular, undulating roofs that echo the surrounding treetops, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the forest landscape, providing a tranquil retreat that encourages a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two-tier structure enhances spatial variability.
02
Triangular roofs reflect the surrounding treetops.
03
Timber construction minimizes environmental impact.
04
Large windows frame views of the adjacent lake.
05
Interior spaces transition between openness and enclosure.

The Light Cabin is a residential retreat designed to connect people with nature. Situated in a quiet forest, it serves as a place to escape from everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The design focuses on openness and fluid movement, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the natural environment through well-thought-out spaces and shapes.

Form and Structure

The cabin features a two-tier design characterized by triangular roofs that rise and fall like the treetops nearby. These shapes not only enhance the building’s appearance but also create a connection with the forest. The roofs provide shelter while allowing for daylight to enter. This combination invites users to experience the relationship between the structure and the natural landscape, making the building feel integrated with its setting.

Spatial Dynamics

Inside, the Light Cabin has an arrangement of spaces that shifts between open and enclosed areas. This design reflects the feeling of walking through a forest, where the experience varies with each step. The thoughtful use of open and closed facades frames views of the lake and forest, drawing attention to the beauty of the surrounding nature. As people move through the cabin, they encounter different perspectives that enhance their appreciation for the environment.

Materiality

Timber is the main material used in the construction of the cabin. This choice supports a commitment to sustainability, allowing the cabin to blend into the forest without causing harm to the ecosystem. The warm qualities of wood create a welcoming environment while emphasizing a connection to the natural world. Using timber also reflects a careful consideration of how materials impact the overall experience.

Design Detail

The cabin’s facades have been designed to create diverse views that encourage exploration. Each window and opening is positioned to frame the changing light and seasons outside, making the experience of the cabin dynamic. Light and shadow can shift throughout the day, influencing how the space feels at different times. The design ultimately fosters a deeper engagement with the landscape, offering a peaceful retreat that coexists with nature.

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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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