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A Vertical Retreat Tower for Meditation and Rest

Author:
Stanisław Rudzki
A Vertical Retreat Tower for Meditation and Rest
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Set within a Latvian forest, the proposal explores how vertical architecture can provide a retreat for solitude, meditation, and rest. The study considers the relationship between height, spatial sequence, and natural context, examining how built form can encourage reflection and support mental wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable facade allows customizable exposure to nature.
02
Vertical design enhances tranquility with forest integration.
03
Reflective spaces promote mental clarity and introspection.
04
Dual functionality serves as both a cabin and retreat.
05
Material choices focus on sustainability and environmental harmony.

Solitude Tower is a conceptual retreat located within a forest setting in Latvia, designed as a place for meditation, reflection, and rest. The proposal responds to the increasing demand for spaces that support mental wellness, situating architecture as a medium for solitude and mindfulness. The vertical structure draws on the surrounding trees for reference, establishing a spatial dialogue with the natural environment while offering an escape from the pace of urban life.

Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes verticality, allowing the tower to rise above the forest floor and provide occupants with layered perspectives as they ascend. The spatial sequence is conceived as a gradual journey, where each level encourages different modes of reflection and observation. Large glazed openings frame views of the forest and introduce daylight into the interiors, reinforcing a strong connection between interior space and the surrounding landscape.

Adaptability and User Experience
A movable façade system forms a key element of the proposal, enabling users to adjust the degree of openness or privacy. This flexibility supports a range of experiences, from enclosed spaces for deep contemplation to more outward-facing conditions that invite engagement with nature. The tower is conceived to function as both a temporary cabin for rest and a dedicated environment for meditation, providing varied opportunities for individuals to shape their retreat.

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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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