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Elevated Timber Footings and Sheep Wool Insulation for a Forest Retreat

Author:
Rebecca Wise
Elevated Timber Footings and Sheep Wool Insulation for a Forest Retreat
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Elevated on timber footings and insulated with sheep wool, the cabin harmonizes with its forest environment to serve as a multifunctional retreat for meditation and daily living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ground impact and preserves undergrowth.
02
Utilizes sheep wool insulation for thermal efficiency and sustainability.
03
Design includes dedicated spaces for meditation and daily activities.
04
Features a vertical slot window for controlled forest views.
05
Intermediate space connects living and meditation areas seamlessly.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabin is a carefully designed structure located in a tranquil forest environment. It aims to provide spaces for both meditation and daily living. The design concept revolves around creating two distinct forms, one dedicated to rest and the other to meditation. This thoughtful arrangement supports users' needs for privacy and interaction with nature.

Design Concept

Three main areas accommodate various activities such as sleeping, eating, working, meditating, and tea making. The clear separation between the living space and the meditation area emphasizes their different functions. An intermediate space connects these zones and houses necessary amenities, making the design practical while maintaining a strong aesthetic quality.

Spatial Organization

The cabin is elevated on timber footings, which helps reduce its impact on the environment by preserving ground vegetation. The structure's design language contrasts between the two main forms. The living area is open and welcoming, while the meditation space focuses inward, offering privacy for contemplation. This arrangement encourages users to engage with the natural surroundings in a direct and meaningful way.

Light and Views

Natural light is an essential element in the cabin's design. The living area features a vertical slot window that provides limited views of the forest, creating an enclosed feeling that still connects occupants to the outside. The meditation space, in contrast, uses a roof light to bring in plenty of natural light, fostering an atmosphere that promotes reflection and mindfulness.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Accessibility is considered throughout the design process. Options for ramps and timber steps ensure easy movement for all users. The materials chosen, including timber for the structural frame and sheep wool for insulation, highlight a dedication to sustainability. These materials provide good thermal performance while blending with the natural setting and supporting ecological principles.

The cabin uses light and views to connect inside spaces with the surrounding forest. Features like vertical slot windows and roof lights create a relationship between the interior and the tree canopy above, inviting nature into the daily experience of its occupants.

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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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