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A Modular Cabin for Meditation and Reflection

Author:
Beth Held
A Modular Cabin for Meditation and Reflection
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The proposal explores a small retreat designed to support mindfulness and personal reflection within a natural setting. The study considers how modular organization, material selection, and the use of natural light can create an environment that fosters both simplicity in living and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred pine, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a modular layout, allowing for flexible use of spaces.
03
Elevated meditation platform designed for optimal natural light and views.
04
Utilizes mineral wool insulation for energy efficiency and sustainability.
05
Large glass expanses that seamlessly connect the interior with nature.

This proposal presents a meditation cabin situated in a natural setting, intended as a retreat for individuals seeking quiet reflection and connection with their surroundings. Drawing on biophilic principles, the design emphasizes mindfulness through its spatial configuration, material palette, and integration of natural light. The cabin is conceived as a temporary and adaptable structure, balancing environmental sensitivity with the needs of its users.

Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout is organized into three distinct modules: housing, utility, and meditation. The housing module incorporates a lofted sleeping area with integrated storage, maximizing compact space. The utility module includes a wood-burning fireplace that supports off-grid living, while the meditation module is defined by an elevated platform designed for seating and storage of meditation supplies. Large glass openings frame views of the landscape, allowing daylight to permeate the interior and reinforcing the connection between interior space and the natural environment.

Material Strategy and Sustainability
Prefabricated modules minimize site disruption and allow for relocation, reducing environmental impact. Mineral wool insulation contributes to energy efficiency, ensuring comfort throughout seasonal changes. Locally sourced pine forms the structural framework, while charred pine treated in the Shou Sugi Ban method provides a durable, weather-resistant exterior. Aspen boards are used internally to enhance light diffusion and create a calm atmosphere, complemented by extensive glazing that brings the forest landscape into the living and meditation areas.

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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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