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Black Square Retreat with Agricultural Netting and Timber Frame

Author:
Natalia Sosonkina
Black Square Retreat with Agricultural Netting and Timber Frame
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Constructed from a timber frame and enveloped by agricultural netting, the Black Square creates a minimalistic meditation space that seamlessly integrates light and shadow while fostering a deep connection to its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features an innovative use of agricultural netting for shading.
02
Flexible entry points allow for varied access to the meditation space.
03
The design emphasizes a direct visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
It transitions from light to dark, enhancing the meditative experience.
05
The square shape symbolizes renewal, reinforcing the project's thematic focus.

The Black Square is a meditation space designed to blend with its natural surroundings. Located in a serene landscape, the building serves as a retreat for personal reflection. The concept emphasizes the nature of meditation, which is both an inward journey and a way to observe the world. This balance is reflected in the design, which combines elements of isolation with a connection to the environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout promotes movement, allowing visitors to enter and exit from various points. This openness represents freedom, moving away from the constraints of traditional meditation spaces. The arrangement fosters an interaction between the outside landscape and the interior, inviting users to feel at one with nature while finding comfort inside.

Shading and Light

A key feature of The Black Square is its use of agricultural netting for shading. This netting softens incoming light and reduces direct sunlight, creating a calm environment. The design provides a way to maintain a link with the external landscape while supporting the contemplative atmosphere. Light and shadow play across the space throughout the day, enhancing the experience in tune with natural rhythms.

Materiality and Structure

The building uses a timber frame and is supported by a screw pile foundation, which ensures stability while reducing environmental impact. These materials were selected for their practicality and to reflect the project's focus on simplicity and humility. Inside, the space is kept raw and minimal, allowing visitors to concentrate on the outside world as they meditate.

Geometric Harmony

The structure's square shape adds to its clarity. When closed, the sliding doors give it the appearance of a "black square," a symbol associated with renewal and new beginnings. This straightforward form enhances the significance of the space, reinforcing themes of introspection and clarity.

Thoughtful use of light, shade, and geometric form creates a quiet space that encourages deep meditation, helping individuals connect with their inner selves while appreciating the peaceful surrounding landscape.

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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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