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Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roofs in a Serene Meditation Retreat

Author:
Portia Strahan
Clerestory Windows and Terracotta Roofs in a Serene Meditation Retreat
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With clerestory windows that maximize natural light and a terracotta roof designed for efficient rainwater management, the meditation retreat offers a tranquil space for mindfulness and reflection in harmony with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Clerestory windows provide abundant natural light and offer views of the surrounding landscape.
02
The terracotta roof is designed specifically for efficient rainwater management.
03
Rollable storage partitions allow for flexible use of interior spaces.
04
Warm patterned wood walls enhance the sensory experience of the interior.
05
Wooden boardwalks connect the cabins, promoting engagement with the natural environment.

The VALE DE MOSES Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful landscape that encourages quiet reflection and mindfulness. Designed as a space for meditation and therapy, it blends indoors with the outdoors effectively. The overall focus is on creating an environment that promotes calmness and well-being for users.

Structural Design

The cabin features a small vestibule that acts as a transition zone. Here, guests can prepare for their meditation or therapy sessions. This area ensures privacy and comfort, both important for an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Inside, rollable storage partitions are included to provide flexibility, allowing easy access to necessary items such as towels and mats.

Interior Space

In the main area, high sloping ceilings are combined with clerestory windows, which bring in a lot of natural light. This design creates a bright and inviting space for users. The warm patterned wood walls add to the cozy atmosphere and help foster a sense of connection with the nature outside.

Spatial Connectivity

One of the unique aspects of the VALE DE MOSES Cabin is its ability to open fully on all sides. Sliding and accordion doors allow for an easy flow of air and light. The custom-patterned screen doors help filter light and control ventilation, making the interior comfortable throughout the day.

Environmental Integration

Wooden boardwalks connect the meditation cabins, providing pathways that link the structures to one another. This thoughtful layout creates outdoor gathering spots that encourage interaction and relaxation in the natural surroundings. The focus on blending built and natural environments helps enhance the experience for all who visit.

The hipped terracotta roof works to manage rainwater effectively, complementing the overall design. Each detail reflects a careful consideration for the relationship between the cabin and the surrounding landscape, offering a tranquil space for personal growth and introspection.

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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.

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