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A Meditation Cabin Design with Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs

Authors:
Phil Reville, Britt Ambruson
A Meditation Cabin Design with Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs
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The combination of a cedar deck and green roofs creates a unique approach to sustainable meditation cabins, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding valley while facilitating mindfulness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Poured concrete sinks serve as a focal point, merging utility with wellness practices.
02
Rainwater collection systems support plumbing, enhancing sustainability.
03
Cedar slat screens provide privacy while optimizing natural light flow.
04
Green roofs offer thermal insulation and blend the cabins into the landscape.
05
A wraparound cedar deck enables unobstructed valley views for meditation.

The meditation cabins at Vale de Moses are situated at the edge of a valley, creating a peaceful area designed for reflection and mindfulness. As spaces for meditation and relaxation, they embody the idea of "Root to Rise," which emphasizes grounding oneself in nature before engaging in spiritual practices. The design aims to connect the built environment with the natural landscape, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Design Concept

The approach to design integrates the cabins into their surroundings, allowing visitors to move easily from the natural world to a calming internal space. Pathways lined with plant-covered trellises guide guests to the cabins, establishing a calming atmosphere as they prepare for meditation. Natural light plays an important role; skylights bring illumination to the interiors, while large glass doorwalls allow for an open connection with the landscape outside.

Materiality

The cabins feature specific materials that support both their function and their visual appeal. Poured concrete functions as a focal point within each cabin, particularly evident in the central sink that symbolizes cleanliness and the significance of water in wellness routines. The stone walls incorporate local materials, firmly rooting the cabins within their environment and contributing to a unified look. Extensive wood elements enhance the warmth of the spaces, contrasting nicely with the more rigid, structural components.

Sustainability Features

A focus on sustainability is present throughout the design, as illustrated by the inclusion of a rainwater collection system. This system supplies water for uses within the cabins while reinforcing their relationship with the surrounding environment. The green roofs add insulation, which helps moderate internal temperatures and supports ecological awareness. These features align with the retreat's philosophy of mindfulness and connection to nature.

The design culminates in a broad cedar deck that wraps around the cabins, offering unobstructed views of the valley. This outdoor space invites visitors to engage with the natural scenery, promoting a sense of peace and connection to the elements. The layout of both indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in their environment and find moments of reflection.

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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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