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Tranquil Living Within Nature's Embrace Through Open-Plan Shelter

Authors:
Jeremie Grehan, Yoakim Saint-just, Loïc Baucher, Mathilde Dousson
Tranquil Living Within Nature's Embrace Through Open-Plan Shelter
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With a focus on open-plan spaces that foster tranquility, this residence integrates natural light and embraces the surrounding forest to create a serene living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features open-plan spaces that enhance natural light and visual connection to the exterior.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a refined aesthetic.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize spatial volume and create unique interior dynamics.
05
Strategically positioned to offer tranquility while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding forest.

The design is located in Latvia, where the landscape emphasizes the country’s reputation as one of the greenest in Europe. It occupies a setting among trees, creating a harmonious relationship with nature. The building functions as a residential space focused on intentional living, where the concept revolves around simplicity and utility rather than luxury. The overall design invites engagement with the natural environment, allowing for a deeper connection to the surroundings.

Conceptual Framework

At its core, the design promotes straightforwardness and practicality. It seeks to eliminate excess and prioritize elements that enhance everyday living. By encouraging a close interaction between inside and outside spaces, the design aims to immerse occupants in the calming atmosphere of the forest.

Spatial Organization

The project incorporates essential themes such as shelter, adaptation, openness, and circulation. The shelter aspect ensures protection while letting in ample daylight, which makes the interiors feel bright and welcoming. Open layouts are utilized to create connectivity and expanded sightlines. This approach reinforces the bond between the living space and the landscape that surrounds it.

Circulation and Flow

Within the design, pathways are planned to enable easy movement and natural transitions between different areas. This thoughtful circulation fosters a connection with the outdoors. By breaking down traditional boundaries between inside and outside, the design emphasizes interaction with nature, encouraging an appreciation of the environment. It is adaptable, catering to various needs over time.

Aesthetics and Experience

While specific materials are not specified, the emphasis appears to be on thoughtful selections that enhance the living experience. The overall design fosters a strong sense of place. Every detail invites residents to engage with the beauty that envelops them, creating a calm atmosphere where the outside world is an integral part of everyday life.

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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.

The Next House: USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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