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Whirlpool Retreat with Natural Wood and Metal Roof

Author:
Jaco Woltjer
Whirlpool Retreat with Natural Wood and Metal Roof
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Featuring a distinctive whirlpool and a lightweight metal roof, the design offers a cozy retreat emphasized by natural wood elements, providing an intimate escape for two.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a low bathroom window that frames scenic horizon views.
02
Utilizes a simple foundation with four corner blocks for site flexibility.
03
Incorporates a sheltered veranda that connects indoor and outdoor living.
04
Constructed with a fully insulated timber frame for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Includes options for solar panels to support sustainable energy use.

The cabin design serves as a retreat for two, set in a natural landscape that encourages relaxation and peace. The central idea of the design is to provide a simple escape from daily life, allowing occupants to connect more deeply with their environment. The layout combines essential living spaces within a small footprint, ensuring comfort and usability without unnecessary complexity.

Architecture Concept

The concept of the cabin is focused on creating a welcoming space that acts as both a shelter and a haven from the demands of everyday life. It includes a living area with a kitchen, a cozy bedroom, and a bathroom, all designed to make the best use of the available space. The inclusion of a veranda serves as an outdoor extension, allowing residents to enjoy nature while remaining sheltered from the elements.

Materiality and Structure

Wood is the main material used in the construction of the cabin. This choice reflects a commitment to harmony with the surroundings. The design features a simple insulated timber frame, which helps with energy efficiency and reduces heating needs. Over time, the exterior wood will weather naturally, blending into the landscape and adapting in appearance.

Interior Design and Features

The interior layout prioritizes both comfort and practicality. Low windows in the bathroom are strategically placed to frame views of the horizon, drawing the occupants' attention to the outside world. Key amenities provide a modern living experience while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of a retreat. The design allows for additional features, such as a whirlpool, to enhance the outdoor experience further.

Sustainability Considerations

The cabin is built on a straightforward foundation made of four corner blocks, allowing flexibility in site placement and ensuring stability. It includes necessary infrastructure for electricity, water, and sewage. Options for solar panels and an efficient heating system support sustainable living.

The light metal roof of the cabin is designed to reflect the surrounding light, creating a gentle play of brightness. During rainfall, the sound of water hitting the roof adds a soothing element to the experience, enriching the overall tranquility of the cabin and its setting.

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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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