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Embracing Serenity with Tongue and Groove Wood Siding and Bi-Folding Efficiency

Author:
Terrence Etienne
Embracing Serenity with Tongue and Groove Wood Siding and Bi-Folding Efficiency
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With its tongue and groove wood siding and clever bi-folding elements, the cabin creates an adaptable space for meditation and the processing of flower essences, fostering a deep connection to both nature and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a square within a square layout, enhancing spatial balance.
02
Operable aluminium windows allow for natural ventilation and light control.
03
A concealed folding worktable maintains an uncluttered meditation space.
04
Tongue and groove wood siding creates a warm, inviting aesthetic.
05
Bi-folding doors support functional versatility while preserving tranquility.

The Meditation Cabin serves as a calm space for meditation and the processing of flower essences. Located in a quiet environment, the cabin features a distinctive design built around the idea of a square within a square. This layout creates a clear relationship between the building and its purpose, promoting reflection and mindfulness through its simple and functional design.

Geometric Form and Symbolism

The design revolves around the square shape, which brings stability and balance. The larger square outlines the entire building, while the smaller square defines the core space for meditation. This geometric choice is not just decorative; it connects to the four stages of life—birth, childhood, adulthood, and death—and the four main elements: earth, water, fire, and air. This thoughtful design invites users to ponder their links to nature and their own life journeys.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Materials play a significant role in the Meditation Cabin, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The structure is framed with wood, giving it a comforting and familiar look that blends with its surroundings. The exterior and interior are clad in tongue and groove wood siding, adding a rustic finish. The roof is made of standing seam metal, ensuring durability against weather changes. Operable windows made of aluminium and glass let in ample natural light and fresh air, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

Functional Versatility

The cabin's layout emphasizes flexibility, allowing it to shift from meditation space to work area as needed. A concealed folding worktable is built into the design for processing flower essences. When not in use, this table can be hidden within a wall cavity, keeping the area open and focused on meditation. Bi-folding doors further support this versatility by obscuring the worktable and maintaining a serene environment.

Natural Light and Connection to Environment

Natural light is carefully incorporated into the cabin, creating a lively atmosphere. Large operable windows are positioned to capture daylight throughout the day, enriching the meditation experience and connecting the indoors with the outdoor landscape. This design choice maintains an intimate relationship between the user and the environment, inviting nature into the space.

The Meditation Cabin provides a balanced approach between design, function, and nature. Details like the tongue and groove wood siding add texture and warmth, creating an inviting presence that aligns well with its peaceful 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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