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Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees

Authors:
Hannah Hryniewicki, Nathan Leigh, Gianna Prather
Flat Roof Meditation Space Surrounded by Native Trees
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Surrounded by native trees, a flat roof meditation space utilizes the natural slope of the site to provide diverse areas for reflection and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to honor the surrounding sacred area, the building is positioned away from native trees.
02
The roof serves as a usable meditation space, enhancing functionality in a small footprint.
03
A long entry ramp facilitates seamless access while integrating with the site's natural slope.
04
Circulation paths provide multiple routes, allowing for diverse meditative experiences.
05
Natural light filters through, creating dynamic shadows that enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

The project is set within a landscape adorned with native trees and aims to create a space for meditation. It is designed to strengthen the connection between built forms and the natural environment. The intent is to enhance meditation experiences by providing a peaceful and inviting setting. The overall concept places significant emphasis on honoring the sacred qualities of the site while introducing a thoughtful architectural presence.

Design Concept

The design recognizes the importance of the surrounding area while opting to position the building away from it. This choice allows the existing natural temple to remain undisturbed. The layout is intended to be respectful and complementary, offering a dedicated space for meditation that draws inspiration from the serene landscape.



Utilization of Topography

The project effectively utilizes the natural slope of the land. The roof of the building serves as a functional space, maximizing the benefits of its small footprint. A long entry ramp has been incorporated to enhance accessibility. Visitors are guided through the gentle incline toward a flat roof level that serves as an additional area for meditation. This approach emphasizes the transition between movement and stillness.



Circulation and Experience

Careful attention has been given to the circulation path, which wraps around the building. This path connects various areas and leads guests to the interior meditation room while maintaining a visual relationship with the sacred area nearby. The thoughtful organization of movement promotes interaction with the environment, allowing opportunities for quiet reflection throughout the space.



Meditation Spaces

Various distinct meditation areas have been included in the design, such as the indoor room, the rooftop, and an outdoor setting enriched with natural elements. Each area provides a different atmosphere, accommodating different meditation practices. This variety encourages individuals to find their own preferred space for reflection, reinforcing the idea that meditation can take many forms.

Natural light plays an important role in the overall design. It enters the spaces and creates different shadows throughout the day. This detail enhances the ambiance and contributes to the sense of tranquility, allowing individuals to truly engage with their 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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