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Cork-Clad Retreat Integrating Timber and Nature for Holistic Wellness

Authors:
Angie Paola Aguilera Ortiz, Fanouria Tsamadia, Nikolaos Christopoulos
Cork-Clad Retreat Integrating Timber and Nature for Holistic Wellness
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Constructed with a cork façade and timber structure, this retreat emphasizes sustainability and offers a serene environment for holistic wellness through a seamless connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork façade provides natural insulation and moisture resistance.
02
Timber structure enhances sustainability and minimizes environmental impact.
03
The cabin's design features separate entry and exit points for transformative experiences.
04
Rainwater harvesting system supports off-grid functionality for self-sufficiency.
05
Elevated path connects the cabin with surrounding gardens, intensifying nature interaction.

Stasis Cabin is located in Valle de Moses and serves as a space for holistic healing. The design is built on the idea of "stasis," which means stability and balance. These concepts create a sense of well-being for users. The cabin embodies "vis medicatrix naturae," a principle that emphasizes nature’s role in healing. Through its design and layout, it encourages psychological and physical rejuvenation.

Physical and Psychological Journey

The layout promotes a journey that takes users from physical treatments to meditation. On the ground floor, there are dedicated areas for body treatments, allowing for a smooth transition to the upper floor. Users ascend to a peaceful meditation space, symbolizing a journey of transformation. Separate entry and exit points further highlight this movement from one state of being to another.

User Interaction with Nature

An elevated path connects the cabin to external gardens. This path immerses users in nature before they even enter the building. Inside, the treatment area is adaptable, featuring massage tables and futons that support various healing practices. By integrating with the natural surroundings, the cabin enhances relaxation and mindfulness, deepening the overall experience.

Material Choices and Sustainability

Timber construction is a key component of the design, complemented by a cork façade. This choice offers good thermal and acoustic insulation. Cork is also resistant to mold and suitable for the local climate. Its sustainable nature makes it a practical option.

The upper floor slab is designed to allow natural light to fill the space, creating a bright atmosphere. Roof sides are angled to accommodate solar panels, which provide necessary energy for lighting and cooling. Ceiling fans are used to improve air movement, enhancing comfort without relying on mechanical systems.

Water management is effectively addressed with rainwater harvesting systems. They capture rain for domestic use, while greywater recycling supports irrigation. This approach allows the cabin to function independently from city services. The adjustable foundation helps ensure stability on uneven ground, making the design adaptable to its environment.

The meditation area on the upper floor offers framed views of the surrounding landscape, which contributes to the calming environment. Attention to detail is evident throughout the design. The combination of spatial organization and material choices fosters a connection to nature, supporting the cabin's focus on healing and well-being.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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