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Wooden Pavilion Embracing Existing Trees in a Forested Festival Setting

Authors:
Jaehwi Lim, Junghyeon Oh
Wooden Pavilion Embracing Existing Trees in a Forested Festival Setting
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Integrating modular wooden structures with existing trees, the pavilion offers a sustainable food court experience within a forest setting during a vibrant music festival.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular structure enables easy reconfiguration for varying festival needs.
02
Preservation of existing trees enhances ecological integration.
03
Primarily constructed from locally sourced wood to support sustainability.
04
Design promotes natural light and views through strategic openings.
05
Creates intimate gathering spaces within the larger forest environment.

The Sansushi Festival pavilion in Latvia responds to the need for a food court structure within a forest environment. It acts as a central gathering space during a festival that features classical chamber music alongside contemporary rock performances. The design focuses on both sustainability and community interaction. The goal is to respect the existing landscape while providing areas for attendees to connect with each other and the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

The concept behind the pavilion is to create a modular structure that works in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. The design aims to minimize disruption to the forest, allowing the pavilion to coexist with nature. This focus on ecological sensitivity creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages social engagement and interaction among festival-goers.

Material Choices

Wood is the primary material selected for the pavilion, chosen for its ecological advantages and compatibility with the forest setting. Using wood reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, enabling the structure to blend into its surroundings while reducing ecological impact. The possibility of incorporating other sustainable, locally sourced materials may further enhance the architectural integrity of the design.

Modular Configuration

The design includes modular components that can be arranged in various layouts to meet the changing needs of the festival. Each module serves a specific purpose, such as beverage bars and rest areas, while allowing for easy movement throughout the space. Configurations may include fan shapes, circular designs, and scattered arrangements, promoting flexibility and adaptability during the event.

Integration with Nature

A crucial part of the design involves preserving existing trees on the site, integrating them into the pavilion. This approach respects the natural environment and creates intimate spaces for festival attendees. The pavilion provides opportunities for people to connect with both the architecture and the forest around them, enhancing their overall experience at the festival.

The pavilion’s design features curved forms that create transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. Light filters in, maintaining a connection with the trees and landscape outside. This thoughtful approach invites a stronger relationship between music, people, and the natural world.

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

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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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