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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Mindfulness Retreat Emphasizing Natural Serenity

Authors:
Ashley Perkins, Selina Cinecio
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Mindfulness Retreat Emphasizing Natural Serenity
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the retreat embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability and sensory experience, designed to foster mindfulness in a serene natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced stone to create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes a modular layout that allows for flexible use and future expansion.

## Project Overview

Located in a peaceful natural setting, the meditation camp is designed to facilitate a transition from the fast pace of everyday life to a state of mindfulness. The project includes cabins, a Community House, a Family House, and a Silence Chamber, all of which integrate local natural resources and sustainable architectural practices.

## Spatial Configuration

The layout emphasizes a thoughtful organization of spaces that guides visitors through varying experiences. Upon arrival, a gravel parking area is framed by trees, marking a clear transition into the tranquil environment. A winding stone path leads guests through the site, enhancing their connection to nature. The design balances communal facilities—such as the Community House—against private spaces, including individual cabins and the Silence Chamber, promoting both social interaction and personal contemplation. Strategic placement of structures ensures unobstructed views of the natural surroundings, immersing guests in the site’s inherent beauty.

## Material Selection

The project places significant emphasis on materiality to enhance its environmental and aesthetic impact. Local stone is used extensively in structural elements, establishing a connection to the site's history. Timber sourced from nearby forests contributes warmth to the interiors and integrates the buildings with their environment. Additionally, metal panels serve functional purposes while providing a modern contrast, and concrete forms the foundations to ensure long-term stability. These materials are carefully chosen not only for their performance characteristics but also for their ability to foster a sense of place and harmony with the natural landscape.

The design incorporates sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and geothermal heating, which minimize the ecological footprint. Each building is constructed with adaptability in mind, utilizing modular principles to allow for flexibility and potential future expansions. The alignment of structures and pathways enhances the meditative experience, fostering personal reflection and community engagement within a serene natural context.

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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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