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Adobe and Tapial Retreat Embracing Andean Traditions for Community Wellness

Author:
Renee Giovanna Martinez Malarin
Adobe and Tapial Retreat Embracing Andean Traditions for Community Wellness
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Constructed with adobe and tapial, this retreat harmonizes with Andean cultural traditions to create a serene space for community wellness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation room designed to promote mindfulness with natural light and ventilation.
02
Built using local adobe and tapial, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
03
Irrigation channels reflect traditional Andean agricultural practices, connecting architecture with landscape.
04
Covered entrance provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Community gathering spaces encourage social interaction and communal wellness activities.

Earth Energies Sanctuary Wellness Retreat is located in a landscape characterized by its natural beauty and rich cultural history. The space is designed to promote wellness for the body, mind, and spirit, drawing inspiration from the ceremonial centers of pre-Incan cultures. The project emphasizes a connection with nature, creating an environment where individuals can reflect, engage with the community, and find spiritual renewal.

Conceptual Framework

The design centers around a meditation room measuring 25 m², serving as a core space for contemplation. A covered entrance of 5 m² aids in making an inviting transition into the sanctuary. The overall area totals 30 m², with height specifications varying from 2.5 m to 4.5 m. This variation in height contributes to the feeling of openness and spaciousness throughout the interior areas.

Spatial Dynamics

Natural light plays a crucial role in the design, supporting a healthy indoor atmosphere. The strategic placement of windows and doors fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. This setup allows the interior to accommodate seasonal changes, making the space useful and comfortable in both summer and winter.

Material Utilization

The project emphasizes the use of local materials, reflecting an awareness of ecological balance and environmental integration. Local stone and concrete are preferred for structural components, while adobe or tapial walls, with a thickness of 50 cm, aid in temperature regulation and visually blend with the natural surroundings. Roofs and terrace structures are proposed to be made from galvanized iron and wood, ensuring durability and versatility year-round.

Functional Features

Incorporating built-in furniture enhances the communal experience of the sanctuary, promoting interaction among visitors. Elements like rustic wooden tables and tree trunk benches offer practical and aesthetic value. The design also includes irrigation channels inspired by traditional Andean methods, strengthening the connection between the constructed space and the natural environment.

The result is a meditation area that immerses users in the tranquility of the landscape, encouraging a deep sense of peace and connection to nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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