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Earth-Integrated Cabin with Stone Aggregates and Spruce Elements

Author:
Nevis Isaj
Earth-Integrated Cabin with Stone Aggregates and Spruce Elements
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A meditation cabin with a concrete plinth and spruced interiors merges seamlessly with the landscape, inviting individuals to engage deeply with their surroundings in a tranquil retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation plinth doubles as a multifunctional space for various activities.
02
Design utilizes two vertical surfaces that frame the horizon view.
03
Integrated spiraling steps provide access to utility areas below the plinth.
04
Constructed with a concrete admixture that includes stone aggregates.
05
Operable windows enhance natural ventilation and connection to the environment.

The project explores the relationship between meditation and the natural landscape, creating a space that invites visitors to engage with the horizon. Located in a serene environment, the design fosters mindfulness through a well-thought-out arrangement that encourages connection with nature. By focusing on the transient qualities of both the setting and the self, the project offers a distinct atmosphere for reflection and contemplation.

Concept and Spatial Organization

Two vertical parallel surfaces extend into the ground, lowering the eye level of visitors and framing views of the horizon. This design choice enhances the experience, allowing individuals to connect deeply with the surrounding landscape. Inside the cabin, the organization of spaces is intentionally designed to support meditation and introspection. Visitors access the cabin via wood-clad ramps, entering through operable doors on the western and eastern sides. This design allows for natural ventilation and makes it easy for the outside world to flow into the internal environment.

Meditation Plinth and Utility Functions

Central to the cabin is the meditation plinth, which serves multiple roles, including areas for reflection, creativity, dining, and rest. This multifunctional space engages visitors and promotes a meaningful connection to their surroundings. Below the plinth, essential facilities, such as a dry toilet and sink, are cleverly integrated. They are accessible by spiraling steps, which help maintain the focus on the meditative experience without distraction from practical needs.

Material Selection and Atmospheric Qualities

Materials chosen for the project complement the natural setting. The meditation plinth utilizes a concrete admixture with stone aggregates, providing both durability and a connection to the earth. Locally sourced spruce wood is employed for structural components and shelving, integrating the building with its environment. Local tiles are also used, linking the finishes of the plinth to the landscape and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the cabin.

The roof features members made from soft wood, allowing light to filter through the surrounding spruce trees. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, one that fosters a sense of calm and focus. The combination of thoughtful material choices and the play of light within the cabin contributes to a tranquil space that encourages reflection and deep engagement with nature.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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