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Wisteria-Covered Retreat with Recycled Timber Elements

Author:
Panayotis Malefakis
Wisteria-Covered Retreat with Recycled Timber Elements
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Covered in wisteria and supported by thin steel columns, the cabin uses recycled timber to create an off-grid retreat that emphasizes a direct connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central fire pit serves as both a cooking area and gathering space.
02
The cabin utilizes a wireframe ceiling supported by thin steel columns.
03
Wisteria vines are integrated into the design, providing natural shade.
04
Water management includes a discreet tank and a filtration pump system.
05
Recycled timber decking creates a connection to sustainable practices.

The design centers on a wall-less cabin located in a serene natural setting. It serves as a refuge from city life, emphasizing simplicity and a strong connection to the environment. The overall concept is to create a living space that allows individuals to engage with nature while meeting the basic needs of everyday life.

Structure and Form

The cabin relies on thin steel columns that support a wireframe ceiling, allowing unobstructed views of the landscape. This construction enhances the feeling of openness within the space. By eliminating traditional walls, occupants experience an uninterrupted link between indoors and outdoors, inviting nature into daily life.

Natural Integration

Wisteria vines are strategically included in the design, providing shade and enriching the cabin's ambiance. These natural features not only beautify the space but also emphasize the importance of greenery in living environments. The design encourages occupants to appreciate their surroundings, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Functional Layout

Inside, the layout focuses on essential living areas, including spaces for sleeping, cooking, and hygiene. A central fire pit serves both as a cooking area and a social gathering spot, promoting interaction among those who occupy the cabin. This arrangement supports efficient living while fostering a sense of community among users.

Sustainable Systems

Water management is a key consideration, with a water tank discreetly placed to ensure access to fresh water. A pump system filters this water, and solar panels contribute to energy needs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Recycled timber decking provides the flooring, aligning with the design's ecological focus while also offering a warm, inviting feel.

The design exemplifies a modern approach to living, prioritizing simplicity and sustainability while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding natural environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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