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Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Hulya Imge Yilmaz, Hande Yildiz, Irem Tikiz
Elevated Veranda with Hay-Thatched Roof for Personal Meditation Retreat
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The integration of a hay-thatched roof and an elevated veranda creates a unique personal retreat designed for meditation, ensuring a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hay-thatched roof enhances ecological integration and provides nesting opportunities for local wildlife.
02
Elevated veranda offers unobstructed views while separating utility functions from the main retreat area.
03
Meditation axis features a central fire pit, creating a focal point for reflection and tranquility.
04
Double-skin façade allows for adjustable privacy while maintaining visual connection with the surroundings.
05
Natural ventilation and solar tubes ensure optimal light and air quality throughout the cabin.

The project is situated in Latvia, a region characterized by its abundant greenery. It functions as a personal retreat, designed for meditation and quiet reflection. The overall concept focuses on blending with the surrounding nature, providing a peaceful space where users can disconnect and engage with their thoughts.

Meditation Axis

At the heart of the design is a meditation axis that organizes the layout of the cabin. This axis features a fire pit, serving as a central point for meditation. A well-placed top window highlights this focal point, while horizontal windows on three sides welcome natural light and create views of the outdoors. This arrangement fosters a strong connection between the interior and the natural world outside.

Structural Features

The cabin is built with a double-skin façade, which offers flexibility in terms of privacy. Wooden materials are chosen for their lightness and durability, consistent with the local environment. This choice helps the structure remain in harmony with its surroundings and reduces its impact on nature.

Functional Layout

Inside, the cabin includes clearly defined areas for sleeping, dining, and food preparation. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to make the best use of the interior while supporting the peaceful purpose of the retreat. Each area is designed to be functional without being overwhelming, creating a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and air flow are important aspects of the design. The space uses solar tubes to provide light during the night, ensuring the interior remains inviting. This attention to lighting contributes to a calm environment, making it suitable for quiet reflection and meditation.

The roof is crafted to support a natural thatching of hay, mimicking the shapes found in the surrounding landscape. This design not only contributes to the aesthetic but also provides opportunities for local birds to nest, further connecting the retreat with its ecological setting.

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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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