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Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roof Create Serenity in a Small Meditation Cabin

Author:
Rachel Hamm
Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roof Create Serenity in a Small Meditation Cabin
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The use of clerestory windows and terracotta roofing enhances natural light within a small meditation cabin designed for wellness in the serene landscape of Portugal.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space and enhances natural light.
02
Clerestory windows reflect light off the roof, creating a serene interior ambiance.
03
Terracotta roofing integrates traditional materials for durability and thermal performance.
04
A central courtyard facilitates communal interaction while preserving privacy.
05
Small lower windows provide indirect light, contributing to a calming atmosphere.

The Nature Within meditation cabin concept is a tranquil architectural response situated in Vale de Moses, Portugal. Designed to create a harmonious space for meditation and wellness, the project emphasizes a connection with the natural landscape. The overall design incorporates a reconstructed A-frame form that maximizes space and allows natural light to flow in, resulting in an environment that supports relaxation and reflection.

Structure and Form
The cabin uses a reconstructed A-frame design, which defines its appearance and enhances interior volume. Extensions and dormers add to the usable space, offering different experiences within the building. The roof's angle serves two purposes: it allows for the placement of solar panels and contributes to a modern silhouette that fits well within its surroundings.

Natural Light and Spatial Ambiance
The interior layout features intentional openings along with a clerestory window. These elements enhance the experience of light throughout the cabin. The design directs light to reflect off surfaces, filling the interior with brightness. Lower windows invite indirect light, creating a peaceful atmosphere suitable for meditation and wellness activities.

Interior Design and Materiality
The cabin includes two dedicated spaces for meditation and massage, arranged around a central courtyard. This setup encourages both privacy and community interaction. The choice of materials aligns with the design philosophy. Plaster and stucco provide smooth surfaces that reflect light effectively, while terracotta roof tiles offer durability and a sense of tradition. The warmth of wood adds a natural touch to the interior, enhancing the connection to the outdoors, and mosaic tiles on the floor add a tactile quality that complements the design.

The design incorporates important details such as the sounds of nature and gentle breezes that enter the rooms. These elements enrich the meditative experience and promote a deep sense of connection to the environment.

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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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