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Elevated Meditation Spaces with Cross-Ventilation Among Treelines

Authors:
Namir Cisneros, Giovanni Caraballo, Carlos Monzon
Elevated Meditation Spaces with Cross-Ventilation Among Treelines
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Elevated meditation spaces provide serene views among treetops while incorporating cross-ventilation and thermal dynamics, creating a retreat that encourages both reflection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated meditation spaces offer varying perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings on opposing sides.
03
A second-floor plan enhances the experience of vertical living in a compact footprint.
04
The cabin integrates thermal dynamics to maintain a comfortable interior climate.
05
Public and private areas are thoughtfully arranged to balance social interaction and solitude.

The cabin project features a design that effectively utilizes a compact footprint while prioritizing vertical growth. Set in a natural environment, the structure incorporates living spaces in a way that enhances the experience of its users. It includes two meditation areas placed at different levels, allowing guests to engage with the landscape from distinct perspectives. This thoughtful approach encourages a deeper connection with nature and promotes well-being.

Design Concept

The arrangement of spaces within the cabin clearly distinguishes between public and private areas, allowing for different types of interactions. Social spaces facilitate communal activities, while private rooms offer opportunities for quiet reflection. This organization reflects an understanding of how environments influence mood and mental health, balancing the need for connection with the desire for solitude.

Spatial Dynamics

A second-floor plan elevates the experience, creating varied conditions for guests. One meditation space is close to the ground, bringing users down to the earth, while the other is positioned near the treetops to provide expansive views. This thoughtful hierarchy fosters richer interactions with the environment, enhancing the overall experience by allowing guests to engage with nature in multiple ways.

Ventilation Strategy

The design pays careful attention to ventilation, employing nearly sealed facades alongside strategically placed openings to promote airflow. This setup enables effective cooling during warmer months and leverages natural thermal dynamics in winter. As hot air rises, it escapes from the second floor, keeping the interior comfortable year-round. This approach aligns with sustainable practices and promotes efficient energy use.

Natural Light and Design Details

The cabin makes use of natural light and air movement, drawing both into its living spaces. The configuration allows light to play across interior surfaces, creating a calming atmosphere. Openings are designed not just for views but also to improve airflow, making the interior more pleasant. The sleeping quarters on the second floor offer a unique experience, where occupants can immerse themselves in the treetops, feeling both elevated and closely connected to the surrounding nature.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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