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Circular Sanctuary Crafted from Natural Timber and Enhanced with Photovoltaic Integration

Authors:
Javier Martínez, Veronica FernÁndez-blanco
Circular Sanctuary Crafted from Natural Timber and Enhanced with Photovoltaic Integration
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Crafted with a circular layout and natural timber elements, this retreat incorporates photovoltaic panels for energy efficiency, serving as a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a circular layout to enhance energy flow and community interaction.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the roof design for renewable energy.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and sustainability.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.

**Project Overview**
The Samadhi Yoga House, located in Cape Kolka, Latvia, near the Baltic Sea, serves as a retreat designed to foster yoga practice and holistic living. The architectural intent emphasizes the integration of human activity with the surrounding natural landscape through sustainable design principles. Offering spaces dedicated to meditation, relaxation, and community engagement, the project aims to facilitate a balanced environment conducive to physical and spiritual well-being.

**Site Planning and Spatial Organization**
The design features a circular structure that serves as a central gathering area, promoting a flow of energy that aligns with concepts found in Eastern philosophies. This circular configuration symbolizes unity and completeness, resonating with the foundational principles of yoga. The site layout incorporates a central meditation space surrounded by functional areas such as changing rooms and relaxation spaces. This thoughtful arrangement allows for the coexistence of public and private areas, optimizing user experience.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**
The material palette underscores a commitment to sustainability, incorporating elements such as sandwich panel roofing for thermal efficiency, ceramic flooring for durability, and timber for structural integrity and natural aesthetics. Photovoltaic panels are integrated to harness solar energy, enhancing the building's eco-friendly attributes. The use of stone elements in landscaping and interior design complements the natural context of the site. Key sustainability strategies include energy-efficient rainwater collection systems, natural ventilation, and the preservation of surrounding ecosystems to promote biodiversity.

The interior design supports dual functionality, enhancing both spiritual and physical wellness, while the communal areas encourage engagement through shared activities like group meditation and workshops.

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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.

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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