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Concrete Serenity with Wood Accents in a Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Bayu Abimanyu, Praisella Hatijanto, Antonius Prathama, Jacky Theodore
Concrete Serenity with Wood Accents in a Mindful Retreat
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With its concrete construction and warm wooden features, this cabin serves as a tranquil retreat designed for meditation and mindful living amid a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates a central meditation room that connects body and mind activities.
02
Flexible wooden partitions allow for customizable views and interactions within the meditation space.
03
A triangular room enhances light exposure while minimizing distractions for focused activities.
04
Concrete finishes provide durability while creating a grounding atmosphere for bodily engagement.
05
Natural wood accents soften the environment, promoting a sense of tranquility and warmth.

The design is located in a peaceful landscape that enhances the connection between the occupants and nature. The cabin is a retreat focusing on both physical and mental well-being. The overall concept is built around three distinct room types, each serving specific activities that support bodily needs and foster mental clarity. This thoughtful arrangement creates a unique spatial experience, encouraging mindfulness and reflection.

Box Room
The box room is dedicated to bodily activities such as eating and sleeping. It reflects a practical approach, emphasizing comfort and accessibility. The layout allows for easy movement and interaction, creating a stable and inviting environment. The geometric form is simple, yet effective in promoting its intended use.



Triangle Room
In opposition, the triangle room caters to mental activities, such as reading and writing. This space is carefully designed to enable concentration and focus. Natural light is maximized, while distractions are minimized. The triangular shape helps create a calm atmosphere, allowing users to engage deeply in their intellectual tasks.



Cylinder Room
The cylinder room serves as a flexible area for meditation and activities merging both body and mind. Its central position highlights its role as a transition space within the cabin. The use of adjustable wooden partitions enhances adaptability, offering different views and personal interpretations of the room.



Materials
Concrete is used prominently in the box room, providing a strong and sturdy base that suits physical engagement. In contrast, wood adds warmth and texture to the design, especially in the meditation room. The choice of materials aligns with the functions of each area, reinforcing the cabin's overall focus on balance and wellness.

Each element within the cabin shows a clear relationship between its form and function, creating a calming setting that supports both rest and mental renewal. The design encourages connection to both the body and the mind, enhancing overall well-being in a quiet natural environment.

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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.

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