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Floating Cabins of Local Wood Offering Intimate Meditation Retreats

Authors:
Yoichiro Hayashi, Daniela Mora Nieto, Krit Soomelux
Floating Cabins of Local Wood Offering Intimate Meditation Retreats
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Elevated above the forest floor, these wooden cabins provide a serene environment for meditation, utilizing a minimalist design that enhances the sensory experience of the natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for enhanced visibility of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cabins utilize locally sourced wood for integration with the natural environment.
03
Minimalist forms prioritize functionality while promoting a serene atmosphere.
04
Each cabin features a dedicated loft space for meditation and reflection.
05
The arrangement encourages exploration while maintaining guest privacy.

Vale de Moses Meditation Cabins is set in a beautiful natural landscape filled with trees and greenery, designed to create a strong connection between visitors and the environment. The goal is to offer peaceful spaces for meditation and quiet reflection, using a concept that helps reveal the often-overlooked aspects of nature. The careful relationship between the buildings and their surroundings encourages a fresh experience of the landscape.

Elevated Design

The cabins are raised on pillars, giving them a floating appearance. This design reduces their impact on the ground while providing impressive views of the landscape. The cabins are placed throughout the site in a way that allows for privacy while still encouraging guests to explore the outdoor space.

Thoughtful Layout

The arrangement of the cabins promotes both solitude and discovery. Each structure features a minimalist design with simple shapes and essential elements. This choice creates a calm environment, perfect for meditation and introspection. Moving between the cabins, guests can experience the natural surroundings from different angles, enhancing their connection to nature.

Connection to Nature

Locally sourced wood is prominently used, reinforcing the relationship between the cabins and the forest. This material choice not only reflects the local environment but also contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere inside. The wooden finishes create a sensory experience that grounds the design, allowing guests to feel integrated into the natural setting.

Purposeful Interiors

Inside each cabin, special features are designed for mindfulness. A loft area is reserved for meditation, offering an intimate space for quiet contemplation. This thoughtful detail enhances the experience of peace and solitude, encouraging deep reflection in an inviting environment. The overall design fosters a tranquil retreat that aligns closely with the landscape.

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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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