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Elevated Retreat with Tatami Mats and Efficient Rainwater Collection

Author:
Doris Rittler
Elevated Retreat with Tatami Mats and Efficient Rainwater Collection
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Raising the main cabin room on four pillars allows for minimal ground impact while incorporating tatami mats and a rainwater collection system, creating a sustainable retreat for meditation within the forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Raised on four pillars to minimize ground disturbance Incorporates tatami mats for comfort and tradition Features a dry toilet for ease of use and hygiene Utilizes a rainwater collection system for sustainability Design allows for adaptable stair arrangements based on tree height.

The Crow's Nest Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are set within a forest, offering a peaceful space for meditation and contemplation. Designed with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, the structure is raised above the ground on four pillars. This allows for easy passage under the cabin, preserving the natural terrain. The design takes cues from traditional hunter lookouts, encouraging visitors to connect quietly with the surrounding nature.

Design and Layout

The layout of the cabin is compact yet functional, dividing the space into clear zones for different activities. The main area consists of a kitchen and a meditation section. The kitchen includes essential features such as storage drawers, a water tank, and a basin, allowing for basic food preparation. A wood stove is also included, providing warmth and a place to prepare tea, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Meditation Experience

The meditation area is designed to encourage a connection with nature. Tatami mats are used on the floor, bringing a sense of comfort and calm. Large windows and a skylight allow natural light to fill the space, offering unobstructed views of the trees and sky. This openness invites the sounds of the forest in, enriching the time spent in meditation. Visitors can even place bedding on the tatami mats, giving them a chance to gaze at the stars at night.

Access and Utility

Access to the cabin is through stairways that lead to a platform, providing different viewpoints of the forest. This flexibility allows the design to adapt to the landscape, adjusting the height and arrangement of the stairs according to the surrounding trees.

On the ground floor, a dry toilet and firewood storage are located for convenience and hygiene. The water system is designed to collect rainwater from the roof, stored in a tank. This approach supports sustainability, using natural resources effectively without unnecessary waste.

Overall, the design focuses on simplicity and practicality, creating a space that respects the forest while offering comfort. A large window frames views of the forest skyline, serving as a visual link between the inside and outside, allowing visitors to feel connected to the environment.

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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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