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Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in Etfe with Cross-Laminated Timber

Authors:
Levent Arıdağ, Fitnat Cimşit Koş, Okan Aktaş, Tugay Yılmaz
Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in Etfe with Cross-Laminated Timber
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The use of cross-laminated timber and an ETFE skin creates a series of adaptable cabins that encourage meditation and reflection, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flaps in the cabin design allow surrounding vegetation to thrive.
02
The structure utilizes high-performance cross-laminated timber for durability.
03
ETFE skin regulates light entry while protecting against weather elements.
04
Cabins feature distinct communal and private meditation spaces.
05
Candle lanterns create an intimate ambiance during nighttime use.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are situated within ancient woodlands, designed to support meditation and peaceful reflection. The concept focuses on creating cabins that function as "adaptive caves," which highlights a design that interacts with and blends into the surrounding environment. Each cabin serves as a retreat, allowing individuals to connect with nature while engaging in both communal and private meditation practices.

Design and Adaptability

The cabins feature an adaptable design, allowing them to fit various geographical settings such as lake shores and forested slopes. This flexibility ensures that the structures maintain their intended purpose while integrating well with different landscapes. With design elements that allow for natural growth, like flaps that let vegetation flourish around the cabins, the project reinforces its commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of public and private spaces within the cabins is a central aspect of the design. These structures include areas for group meditation while also providing secluded spots for private reflection. This thoughtful layout balances social engagement with personal solitude, enhancing the overall experience for users. The design invites individuals to participate in shared practices while also allowing for moments of quiet contemplation in a natural setting.

Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is essential for the cabins' functionality and integrity. Cross-laminated timber is used to ensure strength and durability while maintaining a lightweight structure. As a renewable resource, this material aligns with sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact. The cabins are also enclosed with a protective ETFE skin that helps regulate light and provides shelter from weather conditions, allowing for an environment conducive to meditation.

At night, the cabins are softly illuminated by candle lanterns, creating an intimate setting that enhances the tranquility and meditative atmosphere.

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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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