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A Sustainable Meditation Cabin for Mindful Nature Immersion

Authors:
Samuel Kumar, James Jones
A Sustainable Meditation Cabin for Mindful Nature Immersion
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With its air-dried timber construction and integrated sensory garden, the cabin creates a serene environment that facilitates meditation and therapeutic treatments.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a sensory garden that incorporates healing plants for therapeutic immersion.
02
Locally sourced air-dried timber ensures a sustainable approach to construction.
03
The design includes efficient storage solutions for therapeutic tools within easy reach.
04
Timber cladding serves as a climate-regulating element, enhancing occupant comfort.
05
The structure is designed to allow a seamless visual connection with the surrounding landscape.

The meditation cabin is designed to create a space that encourages connection with nature and supports mental well-being. Proposed in a tranquil environment, it offers areas for meditation and various treatments. The design focuses on sustainability and enhancing the user experience. Each element is intricately planned to promote a sense of calm while allowing for diverse therapeutic activities.

Spatial Organization

The cabin features two main areas to serve different purposes. The Cabin is the primary treatment space where therapies like massage and aromatherapy occur. This area is protected from direct sunlight, which helps maintain a comfortable climate. Organized storage keeps tools easily accessible, ensuring therapists can work efficiently while maintaining a clean environment.

Materiality

Timber is the main material used in the cabin's construction. Sourced locally and air-dried, it connects the structure to its surroundings and supports sustainable building practices. The exterior timber cladding functions as a climate regulator, controlling temperatures inside the cabin. Its thickness allows for views of the surrounding landscape while keeping the space private.

Sensory Engagement

Beneath the cabin, a sensory garden has been integrated, featuring healing plants such as lavender and aloe vera. This garden adds a therapeutic layer to the overall experience, inviting people to engage with nature. A water system draws on used water from the cabin’s interior, providing efficient irrigation for the garden and minimizing waste.

Design Integration

The roof is equipped with solar panels that generate energy for the cabin. This feature highlights the commitment to environmentally friendly design. Over time, the sensory garden is expected to grow and intertwine with the timber screen, creating a stronger link between the building and the natural world. The evolving relationship between the structure and its environment enhances the overall experience for those who visit and use the space.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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