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A Cabin Designed for Meditation and Daily Life

Authors:
Walid El-turki, Razan Elmrayed, Loay Burwais, Mahmoud Alsherif
A Cabin Designed for Meditation and Daily Life
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Set within a forested landscape, the proposal investigates how a compact dwelling can provide space for retreat, reflection, and varied daily activities. The study considers adaptability, environmental performance, and material expression as central themes, emphasizing a balanced relationship between architecture and its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using sustainable cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and space efficiency.
04
Designed with rainwater harvesting systems to promote resource conservation.
05
Adaptable interior spaces support a variety of activities and user needs.

Ka Cabin is a conceptual proposal for a multi-functional retreat located in a forested setting. The study explores how a compact dwelling can support relaxation, introspection, and a range of activities while maintaining a close relationship with its natural surroundings. The design balances a contemporary architectural expression with sensitivity to the site, prioritizing both ecological considerations and spatial adaptability.

Spatial Organization and User Experience
The cabin is arranged to accommodate varied functions, including living, cooking, and spaces for meditation or physical activity. Privacy and openness are balanced through an interplay of enclosed and shared zones, with strategically placed windows framing views and bringing natural light deep into the interior. Variations in floor levels further articulate functional areas, creating a layered spatial experience while maintaining continuity across the plan. Flexible layouts enable the interior to adapt to changing needs, from solitary use to communal gatherings.

Materiality and Environmental Strategies
Wood is employed as the primary interior finish, reinforcing a sense of warmth and connection to the forested context. Large glass facades establish a strong visual link to the landscape while enabling passive solar gain and cross-ventilation. Concrete provides structural stability and contributes to thermal efficiency. Rainwater harvesting, generous roof overhangs, and energy-efficient detailing support the proposal’s environmental performance, aligning with strategies for reduced ecological impact.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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