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Diamond-Shaped Glass and Plywood Retreat in the Forest

Authors:
Yuxin Wang, Danni Lyu
Diamond-Shaped Glass and Plywood Retreat in the Forest
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Crafted with a diamond-shaped glass facade and a plywood structure, this cabin integrates with its forest environment to provide a focused sanctuary for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Diamond-shaped glass windows optimize light while preserving privacy.
02
The structure is elevated, allowing for heating systems beneath.
03
Plywood is used for lightweight, durable construction.
04
An altar for flower essences enhances the meditative experience.
05
Staggered window placements promote natural ventilation.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is located in a tranquil forest setting, designed to serve as a place for reflection and mindfulness. The building encourages visitors to take a break from their busy lives and embrace the peace of nature. Its architecture reflects natural shapes and materials, allowing the cabin to fit well within the landscape.

Design Concept

The design focuses on foot access, which means visitors must walk to reach the cabin. This design choice fosters a deeper connection to the surrounding forest. Inspired by organic forms, the cabin aims to create a calming atmosphere. It is a space meant for meditation and personal reflection, providing an escape from everyday distractions.

Structural Elements

The building features a diamond-shaped wooden frame that supports its structure while also adding to its visual appeal. This frame enhances the play of light and shadow throughout the day, creating a dynamic interior. The facade combines wood panels and diamond-shaped glass. This combination allows for beautiful views while maintaining privacy for users.

Interior Layout

Inside, the main meditation area is positioned on the ground floor. There is also a small altar for flower essences located on the northeast side. The layout includes a mezzanine space for relaxation, making it easy for users to find their preferred spots for quiet time. This design encourages a natural flow between the different areas.

Natural Integration

Several outdoor platforms connect to the cabin, promoting an intimate relationship with the forest. These spaces invite users to step outside and engage with nature, enhancing the meditative experience. The building is elevated to accommodate heating systems beneath. This thoughtful design choice ensures comfort in different weather conditions, while also offering clear views of the surrounding nature.

Plywood is the primary material used in construction, chosen for its light weight and durability. It allows for efficient prefabrication, with all components designed to fit together seamlessly. Each element in the cabin contributes to an inviting space for contemplation, encouraging visitors to find peace in the beauty of their natural surroundings.

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

`
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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