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Cork Insulated Retreat with Timber Frames in a Natural Bush Clearing

Authors:
Martina Bazzoni, Mia Tsujimura Hjaere
Cork Insulated Retreat with Timber Frames in a Natural Bush Clearing
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Constructed with timber frames and cork insulation, the meditation cabin is situated in a natural bush clearing, providing a tranquil space for individual and group practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using locally sourced timber, minimizing transportation impact.
02
Cork insulation aligns with sustainable building practices.
03
Features an outdoor area for flower essence preparation.
04
Curved beams integrate with the natural landscape design.
05
Seats four guests, promoting intimate group meditation sessions.

The meditation cabin at Earth Energies Sanctuary is designed to blend with its natural environment. It sits in a quiet clearing among native trees and is located downhill from the main residence. The cabin serves as a space for small groups to practice meditation and connect with nature. The design focuses on harmony with the landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for reflection.

Integration with the Landscape

The cabin’s shape reflects the gentle curves of the nearby hills. This connection to the landscape enhances the visual flow of the surroundings. The placement of the cabin within the clearing offers privacy while allowing nature to be an integral part of the experience.

Functional Layout

Inside the cabin, there is space for four guests and a teacher, supporting different styles of meditation. The design accommodates various arrangements, whether people prefer to sit or lie down during sessions. The cabin also provides an outdoor area for meditation and for preparing flower essences, inviting users to enjoy the fresh air and surrounding scenery.

Material Choices

Sustainability is important in the choice of materials for the cabin. Timber is used for both structure and finish, ensuring that the cabin feels connected to its natural location. Cork serves as insulation while supporting eco-friendly practices. The thatched roof adds character and helps protect against the weather.

Construction Methodology

The approach to building the cabin emphasizes efficiency and simplicity. Materials are sourced locally, which reduces transportation impacts. The structure consists of two frames made from straight and curved beams. This design not only provides strength but also contributes to the overall look and feel of the cabin.

The wooden altar for flower essence preparation includes carefully designed indents for bowls, allowing for both indoor and outdoor use. This detail enhances the usability of the cabin, making it a well-thought-out space for meditation and connection with nature.

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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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