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Elevated Meditation Cabin with Rough Walls and Communal Fireplace

Authors:
Francesco Cerulli, Luca Gambini
Elevated Meditation Cabin with Rough Walls and Communal Fireplace
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An elevated meditation space with rough walls and a central fireplace provides a quiet retreat for contemplation amidst a sacred forest, merging traditional Latvian and Japanese design elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
An elevated meditation area enhances focus and awareness.
02
Central fireplace serves as the core gathering point.
03
Incorporates principles of *Wabi* and *Sabi* aesthetics.
04
Rough walls create an authentic and minimal aesthetic.
05
Designed to connect with the historical significance of the site.

The meditation cabin is situated within a quiet forest, designed to support mindfulness and self-reflection. The concept draws inspiration from traditional Japanese tea houses and ancient Latvian huts, creating a space that encourages a deep connection to nature. At the center of the cabin lies a communal fireplace, which serves as the focal point. This feature invites users to gather and engage with one another in a relaxed environment.

Design Structure

The cabin has a clear layout centered around the fireplace. Four radial areas are defined for specific activities: meditation, living, storage, and social interaction. This arrangement allows for both communal gatherings and solitary moments. The thoughtful distribution of space enhances the cabin’s overall function and user experience.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Though specific materials are not detailed, the cabin features rough walls that contribute to its authentic feel. The interior includes simple yet meaningful furniture that reflects the ideas of *Sabi* and *Wabi*. These concepts celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the importance of minimalism. This approach creates a calming atmosphere that encourages stillness and inner peace.

Interaction with the Environment

The meditation space is elevated above the forest floor to enhance focus and self-awareness. Practical features, such as hidden storage and water supply, maintain a clean aesthetic while serving functional needs. The design embraces the surrounding environment, fostering an ongoing relationship between the cabin and nature.

Cultural Context

The choice of a forest location holds historical significance, being a site of spiritual rituals for ancient Latvian communities. This cultural background adds depth to the cabin, reinforcing its role as a space for contemplation and connection to heritage.

The cabin’s design allows light to filter through the space, creating a warm and peaceful ambiance. This soft illumination adds to the sense of calm, amplifying the focus on mindfulness that the cabin seeks to inspire.

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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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