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Embracing Nature Through Chiaroscuro Light in a Sustainable Wooden Retreat

Author:
Karolina Kubala
Embracing Nature Through Chiaroscuro Light in a Sustainable Wooden Retreat
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Constructed with wood to enhance its sustainable appeal, the meditation cabin utilizes chiaroscuro effects to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, providing a tranquil space for individuals to disconnect and meditate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from wood for sustainable performance.
02
Features a modular design for easy relocation and versatility.
03
Incorporates chiaroscuro elements that enhance natural light interaction.
04
Blocks digital signals to promote disconnection and focus.
05
Offers panoramic views of the urban landscape for an immersive experience.

The meditation cabin is designed to serve as a peaceful retreat, offering individuals a space to rest and relax outside the busy city environment. This structure can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it suitable for various locations. The overall design focuses on creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection, bringing together simplicity and functionality.

Modular Design

The cabin features a modular design that allows for flexible setup. This means it can be moved and adapted to fit different spaces and needs. This approach not only increases the utility of the cabin but also makes it practical for temporary use. The ability to transport and install the cabin efficiently is an important aspect of its functionality.

Material Choice

Wood is the primary material used for the cabin’s walls. This choice supports sustainability efforts, as wood can be easily recycled at the end of its life. Additionally, using wood creates a warm and inviting environment that encourages users to connect with nature. The material choice enhances the cabin's intention as a space for meditation and finding peace.

Light and Shadow

The cabin’s roof design includes areas that create patterns of light and shadow inside. This detail significantly influences the cabin's interior atmosphere. Natural light filters in, changing throughout the day and adding to the calming experience. The way light interacts within the space encourages users to connect with their surroundings, promoting moments of relaxation and contemplation.

Digital Disconnection

One of the key features of the cabin is its focus on digital disconnection. Design elements are included to block mobile signals, thus creating an environment free from technological distractions. This separation allows individuals to engage more deeply with nature and their thoughts, adding to the cabin's purpose as a meditation space.

Light filtering through the roof highlights the calmness of the cabin, creating a serene setting for users to enjoy, whether they are observing their surroundings or simply taking a moment to breathe.

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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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