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A Sky-Lit Timber Retreat Embracing Nature and Solitude

Authors:
John Myefski, Christopher Myefski, Ellis Wills-begley, Aniella Goldinger
A Sky-Lit Timber Retreat Embracing Nature and Solitude
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Constructed with timber and plywood, the cabins offer a sky-lit meditation platform that fosters solitude and connection to nature within a serene forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins promote exploration, solitude, and reflection.
02
Design connects built environment with natural surroundings.
03
Sky-lit meditation platform situated above essential functions.
04
Operable walls enhance indoor and outdoor dynamic quality.
05
Materials reflect commitment to sustainability and minimal impact.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins aim to provide spaces for exploration, solitude, and reflection. The design focuses on creating an environment that enhances internal balance in a world that often feels overwhelming. Each cabin is carefully positioned to encourage engagement with the natural surroundings while providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation.

Architectural Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of connecting the built environment with nature. The cabins invite occupants to explore their surroundings, allowing for moments of introspection. The layout of each cabin offers a range of experiences, where users can choose between complete exposure to nature or a more secluded setting. This flexibility adds to the overall comfort and appeal of the space.

A central core forms the backbone of the design, accommodating essential functions such as sleeping, cooking, and creating. Above this core is a sky-lit platform dedicated to meditation. The multifunctional nature of the core supports various activities, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and tranquility in this setting.

Materiality and Environmental Integration

The materials chosen for the cabins reflect a commitment to sustainability. Plywood and timber are used, which offer effective maintenance while also minimizing environmental impact. By selecting these accessible materials, the cabins blend with the landscape. This choice reinforces the bond between human-made structures and the natural world.

Spatial Interaction

Operable walls and windows give each cabin a dynamic quality, allowing for a transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. These features enable natural light and airflow to enter, enhancing the comfort of the interiors. The thoughtful design encourages a close relationship with nature, underscoring the key ideas of serenity and self-discovery. The meditation platform, situated above the core, provides unobstructed views of the sky. This creates an ideal setting for quiet reflection amid the calming presence of the forest.

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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