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Wood Fiber Insulation in a-Frame Homes Designed for Community and Nature

Authors:
Ni Komang Dira Maria Parahita, Rina Sari Tarigan-baumbach
Wood Fiber Insulation in a-Frame Homes Designed for Community and Nature
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Constructed with wood fiber insulation, the A-frame homes seamlessly integrate sustainable living with natural surroundings, creating a communal space that supports artistic collaboration among families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using wood fiber insulation derived from local waste, promoting recycling efforts.
02
Designed with a modified A-frame structure to enhance stability and accommodate local wildlife.
03
Incorporates movable walls to allow flexible interior configurations for various activities.
04
Features a centrally located Creative Hub to foster collaboration and artistic expression.
05
Integrates educational stops along a walking path to promote environmental awareness.

The design is located in rural Latvia, close to Cernostes Ezers. It emphasizes a focus on sustainability and community. The building serves as a home for two families, while also functioning as an artistic workspace known as "The Creative Hub." The overall concept prioritizes recycling, using materials from previously demolished structures to create a responsible and harmonious living environment.

Design Concept

The layout maintains the existing green southern area, introducing shapes that offer privacy for each family. The Creative Hub acts as a communal space, facilitating interaction among residents while allowing for personal creativity. This thoughtful arrangement balances shared community life with the need for individual sanctuary.

Architectural Features

Inspired by traditional countryside architecture, the design features a modified gable roof that extends into an A-frame shape. This choice enhances both stability and functionality, allowing for the accommodation of local wildlife, specifically bat populations. Positioned to capture views of the nearby lake, the building maximizes natural light through its panoramic facade, fostering a bright and inviting atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

The project incorporates ecological solutions such as wind and water power systems and lake and rainwater purification methods. These aspects contribute to the self-sufficiency of the design while minimizing its ecological impact. The landscape encourages public engagement with a circular walking path that weaves through the site. This path features designated stops offering information about the local environment, promoting outdoor activity and education.

Artistic Integration

At its center lies a connection between living spaces, artistic expression, and nature. The layout includes flexible interior spaces with movable partitions, allowing for various activities to take place simultaneously. This adaptability supports communal gatherings alongside individual retreats. Natural light filters through openings, highlighting the design's relationship to its surroundings and enhancing the overall experience within the space.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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