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Ventilated Retreat Embracing Nature Through Screen-Shaped Walls

Author:
Wonsun Choi
Ventilated Retreat Embracing Nature Through Screen-Shaped Walls
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Screen-shaped walls enhance ventilation while offering an immersive forest experience in a retreat designed for connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with screen-shaped walls for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Integrates an abandoned shelter site with a forested area.
03
Design promotes deep interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to optimize space and aesthetics.
05
Prioritizes ecological awareness by preserving existing flora.

The new huts at the Vine Retreat Resort are located in a spacious landscape that combines the natural environment with functional design. The goal is to make the most of a smaller area while enhancing the experience for visitors. The concept links two different spaces: an old, abandoned area that was once a shelter and a location where trees have been cleared. This design approach seeks to create a harmonious relationship between the structures and their surroundings.

Spatial Integration

The layout focuses on blending empty and solid spaces, fostering a sense of connection across the site. By placing the huts in the forest, the design diminishes the differences between the various areas and encourages guests to engage with nature. This thoughtful placement allows visitors to appreciate the calming atmosphere of the forest while accessing essential amenities.

Ventilation Strategy

The huts incorporate screen-shaped walls that enhance airflow and respond to changing weather conditions. These walls are flexible and allow the structure to adapt to local climate needs. This ventilation strategy not only supports comfort inside but also aligns with principles of sustainability by minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling.

Ecological Awareness

Throughout the design, there is a strong commitment to preserving natural elements. This approach allows guests to feel connected to the environment during their stay. By respecting the existing landscape and encouraging responsible interaction with nature, the design illustrates how buildings can coexist with their setting.

A notable design detail is how the huts frame views of the forest while maintaining a sense of privacy. Positioned openings let in light and air, allowing occupants to feel part of the natural world around them.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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