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Embracing Wabi-Sabi Within Stone and Wood for a Mindful Tea Experience

Author:
Brian Tien
Embracing Wabi-Sabi Within Stone and Wood for a Mindful Tea Experience
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Rooted in stone and wood, the design captures the essence of Wabi-sabi to create a tranquil space for tea ceremonies that fosters mindfulness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on existing stone walls to minimize land disturbance.
02
Designed to encourage a deep connection with the surrounding natural landscape.
03
Incorporates sliding doors that blur indoor and outdoor boundaries.
04
Features communal areas specifically for yoga and meditation activities.
05
Emphasizes Wabi-sabi principles through simple, natural materials.

The Hut is a design focused on the tea ceremony, exploring connections between spiritual and physical experiences. Located in a natural landscape, it serves as a calm space for both personal reflection and group activities. The overall design concept emphasizes a lightweight structure, elevated above existing stone walls, minimizing the impact on the environment while promoting a relationship with nature.

Design Concept

The Hut takes an environmentally friendly approach, prioritizing the preservation of the site. By sitting on solid stone walls, it requires minimal excavation, ensuring the integrity of the land. Modular floor and roof components make it quick and efficient to assemble on-site, allowing for flexible use tailored to various functions. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces encourages introspection and fosters community interaction, enabling users to engage more deeply with their surroundings.

Interaction with Nature

A significant aspect of The Hut is its focus on connecting with the landscape. Paths are designed to encourage visitors to explore the nearby forests. The sliding doors create easy transitions between inside and outside, bringing in natural light and views. This design blurs traditional boundaries, integrating nature into the experience. The communal areas are designed for activities like yoga and meditation, reinforcing the connection to the environment.

Materiality and Aesthetic

The Hut honors the history of the site by keeping the original stone walls, while incorporating wood finished surfaces for warmth. Glass in the sliding doors enhances daylight and openness. These materials reflect a commitment to simplicity and the beauty of natural imperfections, inviting reflection on the surrounding environment and the tea ceremony itself.

Spatial Organization

Inside, The Hut is divided into private quarters, a tea room, and an open communal space for activities. This layout supports both solitude and social interaction, key elements for enjoying the tea ceremony. The design invites users to connect with each other while also allowing personal time for contemplation.

The exterior walkway encourages appreciation of the views, creating a strong link between the structure and its surroundings. The elements of the design work together to enhance the tea ceremony experience, celebrating both nature and human interaction.

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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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