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Canvas Canopy and Spruce Elements Enhancing Quiet Meditation Space

Authors:
Adetania Pramanik, Dhania Yasmin, Laura Kariono, Yudi Andrean
Canvas Canopy and Spruce Elements Enhancing Quiet Meditation Space
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Constructed with a canvas canopy and integrated spruce panels, the design offers a tranquil retreat dedicated to silent meditation amidst the natural landscape of Ozolini.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation platforms offer various perspectives for reflection.
02
The design incorporates a composting toilet for sustainability.
03
Canvas canopies mimic tree canopies for a natural atmosphere.
04
Spruce wood panels enhance warmth and comfort inside.
05
Flexible interactions with nature cater to diverse meditation styles.

The Ascent Silent Meditation Cabin in Ozolini provides a space for silent meditation within a tranquil natural setting. The design focuses on fostering a sense of calm and reflection, guiding users on a journey from the physical world into deeper states of awareness. Inspired by traditional Latvian gabled houses and the shapes of Norway Spruces, the cabin integrates with its surroundings, supporting the purpose of meditation.

Meditation Platforms

A series of meditation platforms serve as key elements of the cabin’s design. "The Isaac Newton" faces east, offering morning light and views among the trees, which encourage inspiration. "The One That Sits on a Branch" creates an enclosed space for solitude. Meanwhile, "The Spectator," oriented towards the north and south, combines sun exposure with expansive views of the open pasture. Each platform creates a distinct environment for contemplation, catering to different meditative needs.

Flexible Engagement

Flexibility is an important feature in the cabin’s design, allowing individuals to interact with nature in a way that suits them. Users can choose to feel sheltered under the tree canopies or experience the open sky beneath the cabin’s roof. This variety supports a range of emotional and spiritual states, accommodating different approaches to meditation. It invites personal exploration and connection with the environment.

Sustainable Functionality

The ground floor includes practical elements such as a composting toilet and a sunroom, fulfilling essential needs while promoting sustainability. This layout not only enhances comfort but also responds to environmental considerations. The design incorporates materials that blend well with the site, maintaining a focus on the natural qualities of the surroundings.

Timeless Materiality

Material choices in the Ascent Cabin reflect a respect for the natural environment. The canvas canopies, equipped with wool insulation, follow the shapes of tree canopies, enhancing the meditative atmosphere. Wooden plank cladding mimics local tree bark, helping the cabin integrate with the landscape. Spruce wood panels add warmth to the interior, creating an inviting space for users to find peace and reflection.

Overall, the cabin's design achieves a balance between the built environment and nature, offering a quiet refuge for those seeking introspection.

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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?

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