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Floating Geometry in Timber Retreats for Mindfulness

Authors:
Tiza Elizabeth Abraham, Satish Sreekumar, Thankam Philip
Floating Geometry in Timber Retreats for Mindfulness
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The cabin’s floating roof and sacred geometry create a meditative environment, providing a tranquil retreat that enhances mindfulness through a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating roof design enhances spatial connection with nature.
02
Incorporates sacred geometry to elevate meditation practices.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
04
Uses local timber to reduce environmental impact.
05
Kinetic energy pavers illuminate the surrounding landscape.

The Hoverden Meditation Cabin is a careful architectural response to the growing interest in mindfulness and the need for a connection with nature. Located among a circle of trees, the design features a circular form that integrates with the landscape, creating an inviting retreat for meditation. The concept focuses on themes of wholeness and personal growth, which are central to meditative practices.

Form and Spatial Organization

The circular layout allows easy movement and encourages users to interact with their surroundings. This design fosters a sense of awareness and contemplation, making it easier to engage in meditation. The arrangement of spaces is intentional, promoting fluid transitions that enhance the overall experience of being in a natural environment.

Structural Elements

One important aspect of the Hoverden is its floating roof. This feature serves as a protective overhead structure while simultaneously connecting the indoors to the outdoors. The roof symbolizes upliftment, reflecting the way nature surrounds and encompasses the cabin. It also provides essential shade, contributing to a comfortable environment for meditation and introspection.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a guiding principle in the design. The Hoverden incorporates rainwater harvesting to manage water runoff effectively. Water is channeled into an external reflecting pool and a tank located above the wash area. Additionally, kinetic energy-generating paving blocks illuminate the surrounding landscape. A wood-burning stove is installed for heating, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly practices throughout the design.

Materiality

Local timber is the primary building material, ensuring both durability and a connection to the site. The use of glass panels allows natural light to fill the interior and creates a link between inside and outside, enhancing the experience of the surrounding nature. This combination of materials emphasizes the building’s relationship with its environment.

The ceiling features an intricate pattern inspired by sacred geometry. This design element not only adds visual interest but also enhances the space's vibrational qualities, promoting a sense of calm that supports meditation.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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