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Concrete Undercroft with Tensile Fabric Canopy for Meditative Reflection

Authors:
Nick Safley, Cait Cashner
Concrete Undercroft with Tensile Fabric Canopy for Meditative Reflection
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The integration of a site cast concrete underbelly with a tensile fabric canopy creates a unique meditation space that invites both introspection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wabinat integrates a unique site cast concrete underbelly that provides structural support and tactile comfort.
02
The design features a tensile fabric canopy that filters light while maintaining a sheltered environment.
03
A distinct tail extension creates an outdoor social space connected to the private quarters.
04
The architectural form draws inspiration from natural elements like rock and tent, promoting a reflective experience.
05
Interior spaces incorporate natural light to enhance the meditative qualities of the environment.

Wabinat is a meditative retreat situated in a serene natural environment, designed to promote introspection. The structure invites individuals to connect with their surroundings while engaging in meditation. The concept revolves around enhancing sensory experiences, allowing users to immerse themselves in their practices. The building's form takes inspiration from elements like rock, tent, and animal, creating a unique interaction with the landscape.

Structure and Form

The design of Wabinat disrupts traditional building ideas, encouraging deep contemplation. The varied shapes invite users to rethink their experiences and relationship with the natural world. It blends different forms, offering a sense of movement while maintaining tranquility. This innovative approach highlights a dynamic relationship between the inhabitants and their environment.

Interior Elements

Inside, the cabin features an exposed site cast concrete underbelly that serves as both a foundation and a design element. The concrete adds not only strength but also comfort, providing a tactile backrest. Its rough texture connects users directly to the earth, creating a feeling of safety that is vital for meditation. Natural light spills into the space, brightening the interior and enhancing users' connection to their surroundings.

Tensile Canopy Design

A key feature is the tensile fabric canopy, which presents a minimal surface that contributes to the overall look of the structure. The canopy is designed in segments, allowing it to match the natural environment. It filters light while providing shelter, enriching the experience for those who occupy the space below. The canopy not only serves a practical function but also adds a layer of design complexity.

Exterior Spaces

The tail of Wabinat extends the usable area, creating an outside space for social interaction while preserving privacy within the cabin. This allows for community engagement alongside personal reflection. By offering both private and communal spaces, the design supports various ways to engage with meditation, enriching the overall user experience.

In conclusion, Wabinat interacts with its natural surroundings through a distinctive form that encourages reflection and connection with nature. Its thoughtful design enhances the experience of meditation, showcasing a harmonious blend of architecture and 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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