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Elevated Structure Emphasizing Natural Wood and Rainwater Harvesting for Mindful Reflection

Authors:
Carolina Dias, Susana Abreu, Brad Wooster
Elevated Structure Emphasizing Natural Wood and Rainwater Harvesting for Mindful Reflection
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With an elevated structure that minimizes environmental impact, the cabin utilizes natural wood and a rainwater harvesting system to create a dedicated space for mindful reflection and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground contact to protect local fauna.
02
Operable panels allow for flexible interaction with the environment.
03
Natural wood elements enhance warmth and promote a calming atmosphere.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting supports self-sufficiency.
05
Centrally located kitchen fosters community engagement in a retreat setting.

The silence meditation cabin combines thoughtful design with a focus on meditation practices, creating a peaceful retreat. Located in a natural setting, it serves as a space for introspection and connection to the environment. Drawing inspiration from meditation traditions, including influences from India, Taoism, and Buddhism, the cabin encourages a sense of calm and self-discovery through its architecture.

Architectural Form and Movement

The cabin features a design that guides occupants upward as they enter, symbolizing a journey from the outside world into a devoted space for contemplation. This gradual movement deepens the meditative experience, allowing users to engage with their surroundings on multiple levels. The raised structure limits contact with the ground, helping to protect local plants and wildlife while reinforcing the relationship between the cabin and nature.



Adaptability and User Experience

Flexibility is a key characteristic of the cabin's design, as the upper sections can be opened to allow fresh air and views or closed for moments of solitude. This adaptability gives occupants the choice between retreating into their own space or embracing the outdoors. Centrally located, the kitchen and dining area foster a communal atmosphere while also accommodating individual meditation practices.



Materiality and Aesthetic

The choice of materials is essential in creating a soothing environment. The cabin uses a combination of white surfaces and natural wood, particularly Norway spruce timber, to achieve a sense of brightness and warmth. This careful selection encourages an ongoing connection between interior spaces and the natural world outside, making the experience more engaging.



Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainability is integrated throughout the cabin’s design. Operable panels provide control over airflow and natural light, assisting in passive heating and cooling. This approach helps maintain comfort without relying heavily on energy sources. Additionally, the cabin incorporates a rainwater collection system and treats greywater, allowing for self-sufficiency.

Dry toilets further minimize environmental impact, supporting a commitment to ecological practices. Every design detail, from efficient structure to the warmth of the materials, supports the idea of a space dedicated to meditation, inviting users to connect deeply with themselves and their surroundings.

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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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