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Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection

Author:
Benedikt Hartl
Flax-Insulated Retreat Elevated on Stilts for Meditation and Reflection
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Elevated on stilts, this flax-insulated cabin offers a unique meditation space that fosters a deep connection with nature while ensuring environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design on stilts to minimize environmental impact.
02
Constructed primarily from locally sourced linen for insulation.
03
Meditation room features a roundel for forest views.
04
Utilizes bicycle-powered electricity generation for sustainability.
05
Includes an eco-toilet for efficient waste management.

The forest meditation cabin is a thoughtfully designed retreat located in Latvia, a country renowned for its ecological practices and rich cultural traditions. Designed for reflection and mindfulness, the cabin seeks to blend with its surroundings while showcasing local materials and craftsmanship. The main idea behind the design is to create a small, functional space that enhances the connection between its users and nature.

Spatial Configuration
The cabin has an open interior layout that allows natural light to flood in, creating a calm atmosphere ideal for meditation. Covering 15 square meters, the design makes efficient use of its limited space, incorporating a loft area that utilizes vertical height while maintaining privacy. This arrangement encourages easy movement throughout the cabin, making it a versatile area for various activities while preserving a cozy feel.

Material Selection
Linen/flax is the primary material used in the construction of the cabin, emphasizing local resources and heritage. This material is chosen not only for its sustainability but also for its excellent insulation properties. The cabin remains comfortable throughout the year, and the tactile quality of linen promotes relaxation and a peaceful environment. This focus on material helps achieve the project’s goal of creating a tranquil place for visitors.

Sustainable Features
The cabin incorporates sustainable practices into its design and function. A wood stove provides warmth during colder months, ensuring comfort. Additionally, a bicycle-based energy generation system offers an alternative electricity source, promoting independence and environmental awareness. Areas for food and water storage further enhance the cabin's practicality, allowing visitors to enjoy longer retreats without relying on outside resources.

Design Details
A notable aspect of the cabin is its elevation on stilts, which protects the surrounding landscape and maintains the natural flow of water. Furthermore, a roundel feature provides views of the forest, linking the interior space with the outdoors. These design choices help create a place that not only serves the need for a meditation retreat but also upholds principles of mindful and responsible architecture.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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