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Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Authors:
Letícia Costa, Lorena Cerqueira, Luiza Penna, Marcela Chagas
Cork Flooring and Slatted Panels Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation
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Drawing inspiration from the Bodhi tree myth, the design incorporates slatted panels and a reflecting pond to create a serene environment that supports yoga and meditation practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflecting pond enhances the immersive experience of nature within the meditation space.
02
Slatted panels provide filtered light while maintaining focus on internal reflection.
03
Timber structure minimizes landscape disruption and promotes natural drainage.
04
Zenith openings increase daylight exposure, creating a calming atmosphere.
05
Cork flooring adds warmth and comfort, connecting users to the natural environment.

The design is located in a quiet valley in central Portugal, where it enhances the practice of yoga and meditation. Its layout creates an environment that encourages people to reconnect with themselves. The overall concept merges nature and built form, guiding visitors through spaces that shift from hidden, contemplative areas to bright, open patios.

Spatial Arrangement and Flow

The space is arranged to lead visitors on a journey. It starts with a narrow, dark corridor that symbolizes introspection before opening up into a sunny patio that invites moments of reflection and tranquility. This flow mirrors the journey people take in yoga, moving from deep personal reflection to a sense of connection with the wider world.



Façade Openings and Light Integration

The design features carefully placed openings in its façade, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape outside. Each room offers unique views that enhance the connection with nature. In the yoga room, slatted panels let in filtered light while focusing attention inward. Natural light also enters through zenith openings and partial glass ceilings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws attention to the outdoor environment.



Material Choices and Ecological Considerations

Materials play an important role in the structure. Timber is used for main supports, cork for flooring, and glass to provide clear sightlines. These choices help the building blend into its environment, ensuring minimal impact on the landscape. The timber adds warmth and connects the space to the natural surroundings, while cork contributes to comfort beneathfoot.



The central patio becomes a key area for movement and interaction. It encourages gatherings and shared moments, while its open design fosters a feeling of togetherness. Visitors can experience light and shadow shifting throughout the day, enhancing a calm and reflective setting. The thoughtful arrangement of both structure and space allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and inner peace.

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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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