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Elevated Canopy Pavilion Crafted from Marine Plywood and Steel

Author:
Kellen Thayer
Elevated Canopy Pavilion Crafted from Marine Plywood and Steel
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Crafted from marine plywood and elevated within a tree canopy, the pavilion serves as a dedicated space for meditation, enhancing the connection between users and their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Made entirely of marine plywood, enhancing durability and weather resistance.
02
Elevated structure provides unique views from the tree canopy level.
03
Operable windows allow for natural ventilation and framed views of nature.
04
Includes two altars for essential oil processing, enriching the meditative experience.
05
Designed to foster individual contemplation while promoting community connection.

The meditation pavilion connects with the natural landscape, providing a quiet space designed for individual reflection and mindfulness. Inspired by the principles of the Brahmavihara—Lovingkindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity—the design creates not only a functional area for meditation but also captures the spirit of these ideals. Elevated above the ground, the pavilion allows users to engage with the environment, enhancing their experience of nature while promoting a sense of peace.

Structural Integrity

The pavilion features a framework made of steel posts and concrete piles, ensuring it remains sturdy while avoiding a heavy appearance. Galvanized steel cross bracing reinforces the structure, allowing for a slender profile that blends into its surroundings. This approach maintains the pavilion's elegance without obstructing the views of nearby trees.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the design includes four meditation terminals, each carefully arranged to support personal contemplation. There are also two altars for processing and diffusing essential oils, adding sensory elements to the meditative experience. The layout encourages users to engage individually while being part of a broader, communal atmosphere, allowing for both solitude and connection with others.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability. Marine-grade plywood serves both the exterior and interior finishes, offering durability against weather while ensuring visual consistency. Three coats of water-based polyurethane protect the surfaces and minimize harm to the environment. This careful selection of materials emphasizes the intention behind the pavilion, aiming for both longevity and environmental responsibility.

Natural Integration

The design includes operable windows on every facade, framing the surrounding nature and inviting fresh air. This not only enhances comfort but also allows users to feel as though they are part of the tree canopy. By connecting the interior space with the landscape outside, the pavilion reinforces its purpose as a setting for meditation and quiet reflection.

Within the pavilion, a balance exists between simplicity and purpose. It offers a tranquil space for contemplation, deeply honoring the principles that inspired its creation while allowing individuals to connect with the world around them.

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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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