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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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