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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Space

Authors:
Faizul Hassan, Zakir Ali, Abdul Basit, Naveed Ahmad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Space
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design fosters a deep connection to nature while providing a serene space for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced stone, enhancing sustainable practices.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for self-sufficiency.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
04
Soundproof silence chambers promote deep meditation experiences.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic and fire-resistant qualities.

### Location and Context
"The Meditation House" is located in Latvia, an area celebrated for its natural beauty and serene landscapes. The intent of this project is to establish a retreat that allows individuals to disconnect from the pressures of urban life, including noise and environmental stressors, while fostering a deep connection with nature.

### Spatial Organization
The design employs a thoughtful zoning strategy that distinctly segregates various functions such as meditation halls, yoga spaces, and communal dining areas, while preserving visual and physical connectivity. These spaces are strategically positioned to optimize natural light and views of the surrounding scenery. The project features pathways that not only facilitate movement through both indoor and outdoor environments but also encourage reflection. Central to the design is the integration of an existing structure, which highlights historical context and continuity throughout the expansion.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The architecture utilizes materials that resonate with the local environment, including natural stone for structural integrity, wood for warmth, and thatch for its organic aesthetic. Large glass panels enhance visual connectivity with the outdoors, while metal elements provide modern supports. To promote sustainability, the design incorporates water harvesting systems, biomass facilities for waste management, and strategically placed windows and skylights to maximize natural light and minimize reliance on artificial sources. These choices reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the overall self-sufficiency of the project.

Each aspect of "The Meditation House" is crafted to engage users' senses and encourage introspection and rejuvenation within a natural setting, making it a versatile space suitable for a variety of activities and user groups.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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