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Curved Walls and Natural Wood Create a Rejuvenating Retreat for Mindfulness

Authors:
Antonio Perrone, Elisa Montani, Giulio Pizzorusso, Francesco Patetta
Curved Walls and Natural Wood Create a Rejuvenating Retreat for Mindfulness
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Constructed with a platform frame system and natural wood, the design integrates curved walls and a ventilated facade to create a serene environment dedicated to meditation and restful living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Focus on a platform frame system that enhances structural integrity and environmental performance.
02
Incorporates a ventilated facade with overlapping slats to improve natural ventilation.
03
Curved walls designed for both aesthetic appeal and maintenance-free durability.
04
Includes a grey water recycling system to promote resource efficiency.
05
Utilizes natural wood cladding specifically selected for resilience against extreme climates.

The design features a meditation space combined with a sleeping area, focused on creating a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. The concept reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being, achieved through careful attention to spatial arrangements and natural elements.

Integration of Functionality

The layout effectively defines different areas that encourage relaxation and mindfulness. There are distinct zones for sleeping, bathing, and meditation, which allow for smooth transitions between these activities. Large openings throughout the space bring in plenty of natural light, helping to establish visual links with the outside environment and highlighting nature’s role in daily life.

Materiality and Construction

The building utilizes a wooden frame system, adopting a platform frame approach that ensures continuity between its supporting and reinforcing structures. The natural wood cladding is selected for its durability against extreme weather conditions. A ventilated facade with overlapping slats and curved walls enhances both the look of the building and its functional performance, allowing for efficient air circulation while minimizing maintenance.

Sustainable Systems

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, demonstrated by the inclusion of photovoltaic panels that satisfy all energy needs with renewable sources. The grey water recycling system promotes efficient use of resources, while a composting toilet operates without requiring water or electricity, further reducing environmental impact. These features show a commitment to responsible design and the desire to lessen the ecological footprint.

In combining thoughtful materials and innovative systems, the design creates a space that encourages peace and reflection. Each detail has a purpose, from the strategic placement of windows that invite light in, to the layout that connects indoors and outdoors. This approach helps to foster an environment where people can feel calm and engaged with nature.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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