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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Deniz Sagir, Zeynep Efeoglu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design creates a harmonious meditation retreat that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to foster visual connections with the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes multiple private bungalows to enhance personal reflection within a communal setting.

## Overview

The Meditation Camp design is situated within a natural landscape marked by expansive green spaces and mature trees, fostering an environment conducive to solitude and reflection. The project's intent revolves around the creation of a sanctuary for meditation and rest, promoting an inward focus for its occupants. Through a deliberate integration of existing structures with new construction, the design adheres to principles of minimalism and sustainability.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The project employs a diverse palette of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The new building features wood predominantly for its exterior cladding, providing a sense of warmth and texture, while stone from the existing structure imparts durability and thermal mass. Large glass openings in both the new and old buildings enable natural light to permeate the interiors and establish visual connections with the surrounding landscape. Concrete is utilized in structural elements for its strength, while steel is applied minimally to support the architectural framework, resulting in a refined, industrial aesthetic.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The site plan includes a well-considered arrangement of structures designed for both communal and individual activities. Key components include the Meditation House, which serves as a central space for group meditation, and private bungalows that emphasize solitude. An outdoor terrace connects the indoors with nature, while a sauna and a restaurant promote wellness and social interaction, respectively. The design also features irregularities in elevation, with diverse voids and solids that create visual interest and enhance airflow throughout the interiors. Key spaces, such as the Meditation Hall and library, focus on lightness and serenity, inviting occupants to engage in introspection and reflection.

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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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