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Contemplative Retreats Framed by Retaining Walls and Landscaped Gardens

Author:
Mark Talbot
Contemplative Retreats Framed by Retaining Walls and Landscaped Gardens
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Framed by retaining walls and enhanced by landscaped gardens, the meditation cabins provide unique spaces for reflection and community engagement amidst a rugged Portuguese landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed by retaining walls that enhance the landscape's natural contours.
02
Each cabin features distinct interior rooms designed for meditation and community activities.
03
Terraced gardens extend living space outdoors, promoting social interaction.
04
Landscaped pathways connect cabins while providing accessibility for all visitors.
05
Natural light is prioritized through large openings, fostering a calm atmosphere.

The Vale De Moses meditation cabins are situated in a rugged landscape designed to offer spaces for contemplation and community engagement. The project highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, making use of the site's natural features, particularly its retaining walls. Each cabin is uniquely designed to foster introspection while encouraging interaction among visitors.

Design Concept

The central idea is to create distinct yet connected spaces that reflect the existing environment. The retaining walls serve as essential structural elements, forming a framework for the design. These walls contribute to the visual character of the cabins, connecting them with the surrounding landscape and providing a sense of continuity.

Spatial Configuration

Inside each cabin, there are several carefully planned spaces, including a Living Room, Earth Room, and Sky Room. This arrangement maximizes the overall functionality while maintaining a strong connection with the outdoors. The addition of terraced gardens and landscaped areas extends the living environment, promoting community interactions among residents and guests.

Light and Airflow

Natural light and airflow are important aspects of how the cabins are designed. Large windows and well-placed openings let in daylight and encourage ventilation throughout the spaces. The Landscape Room is particularly focused on providing a quiet area for meditation, surrounded by retaining walls that enhance the experience and stability of the space.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is an important consideration in the design, with features that cater to a variety of visitors. Ramps and wide pathways make movement through the site easy and open for all. The layout of each cabin ensures that everyone can enjoy the spaces without feeling restricted, enhancing the inclusive atmosphere.

The cabins create a strong bond with their natural surroundings, allowing occupants to feel connected to the landscape while finding shelter and peace within their own private spaces. The careful attention to design details fosters a unique experience that encourages both personal reflection and community involvement.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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