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Elevated Serenity in Cork-Clad Meditation Pods

Authors:
Cansu Ersoy, Nil Özkan, Şevin Erkenek, Doruk Topkaya
Elevated Serenity in Cork-Clad Meditation Pods
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Cork-clad pods elevated on steel columns provide a tranquil retreat in the Portuguese landscape, designed for meditation and deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork cladding enhances insulation and integrates with local landscapes.
02
Steel columns elevate the pods, providing unobstructed views.
03
Skylights allow for natural light and celestial visibility at night.
04
Flexible interior layout accommodates multiple uses for guests.
05
Surrounding native herbs promote relaxation and improve air quality.

The Árvore Dream Pods are located in Vale de Moses, a yoga retreat set in the tranquil Portuguese landscape. This facility serves as a quiet space for visitors to meditate and reflect on their inner selves. The design focuses on a close relationship with nature, using forms that resemble trees to enhance the connection to the environment.

Structural Form and Geometry
The design employs a cut-pyramid shape that aligns well with the forest surroundings. With a base measuring 5m x 5m, the pods provide flexibility, allowing for different uses such as sleeping and meditation. The shape is not just for looks; it helps the pods fit into the natural setting.

Natural Light and Spatial Experience
Skylights are placed strategically to bring in plenty of natural light. They also create a connection to the sky, which enhances the calm atmosphere inside. The layout is organized into sleeping, yoga, bathroom, and utility areas, providing users with a space that can adapt to different activities and needs.

Landscape Integration and Materiality
Surrounding the pods are native herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint. These plants improve the sensory experience for visitors and promote relaxation. Nearby, olive and cork trees add to the natural environment. The exterior of the pods is covered in cork sourced locally, supporting sustainability while maintaining coherence with the landscape.

Elevated Structure and Views
Steel columns elevate the pods, allowing for expansive views and minimizing their impact on the ground. This elevation promotes better drainage, reflecting a mindful approach to the environment. Each detail contributes to a peaceful setting designed for quiet contemplation and inner peace, where users can truly connect with nature.

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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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