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Elliptical Skylights and Wood Frames Creating Tranquil Meditation Space

Author:
Davin Moon
Elliptical Skylights and Wood Frames Creating Tranquil Meditation Space
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With its unique elliptical skylights and wooden frames, the design offers a serene environment that facilitates meditation and introspection in a carefully curated space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique elliptical skylights enhance natural light dynamics throughout the day.
02
The wooden frames create a warm atmosphere while providing structural integrity.
03
Acoustic elements, including gravel at the entrance, enrich the sensory experience.
04
Translucent wall sections manage light entry and connect interior with the outdoors.
05
Design prioritizes meditation through careful spatial arrangements and features.

The design focuses on meditation, creating a space that encourages deep thinking and self-reflection. Located in a serene environment, the building invites individuals to step away from the noise of daily life. The overall concept emphasizes separation, both from external distractions and within oneself, fostering a calm atmosphere suitable for meditation practices.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The structure incorporates distinct volumes, featuring elliptical skylights and entrances that draw natural light into the interior. This arrangement offers a floating appearance, allowing the building to sit lightly above the ground. The design clearly distinguishes the space from its surroundings while still maintaining a connection to nature. Each element is carefully considered to support meditation, creating a calming environment that promotes personal reflection.

Interior Elements and Light Manipulation

Inside, the layout includes features that cater specifically to meditation. Clear footprints at the entrance, small tables for flower essence, and designated mats encourage users to form a connection with the space. The oval ceiling contrasts with the outer rectangular shape, introducing an interesting dynamic to the experience. This ceiling design allows for varied light conditions throughout the day, which greatly enhances the meditative atmosphere.

Materiality and Acoustic Considerations

The selected materials add to the natural feeling of the space. Elements like ellipse glass and wooden frames create warmth, while structural features, including columns and beams, ensure stability. Acoustic aspects are also integral, with gravel used at the entrance to provide texture and sound. This combination of materials and auditory detail enriches the overall experience and contributes to a peaceful setting for users.

Natural Integration and Design Detail

Walls feature a mix of translucent and transparent sections that manage light while connecting the indoors with the outdoors. This thoughtful manipulation of light serves as an essential part of the meditation experience. By emphasizing these details, the design invites users into a space that is tailored for calmness and reflection, where every element plays a role in supporting personal introspection.

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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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