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Floating Timber Canopy for Mindful Reflection

Author:
Darran Brennan
Floating Timber Canopy for Mindful Reflection
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A floating roof supports a sanctuary of circular timber columns, creating a sunken space for mindfulness and reflection amid the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating roof design enhances natural light and protects the meditation area from the elements.
02
Sunken layout fosters a sense of intimacy and connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Circular timber columns create a visual "forest," emphasizing organic forms within the structure.
04
Reflective materials on the parapet mirror the environment, blurring boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
05
The altar design integrates flower essence processing into the meditative experience, enhancing sensory engagement.

"Haumanu" is a project focused on mindfulness and therapeutic practices, set in a peaceful natural environment. The design aims to create a direct connection between the built structure and its surroundings. Drawing on the Maori concept of therapy, the project emphasizes contemplation and personal renewal within its architectural framework.

Floating Roof Structure
A notable feature of "Haumanu" is its floating roof, which appears to hover above the meditation space. This design protects users from rain and harsh sunlight while creating a sheltered area for reflection. The elliptical shape of the roof allows sunlight to spill onto an altar beneath, enhancing the space's therapeutic purpose.

Sunken Design
The excavation of the site results in a sunken area that fosters a more intimate relationship with nature. This choice encourages a secluded atmosphere, ideal for meditation. The contrast between the elevated roof and the lowered ground enhances the experience, inviting users to connect deeply with their environment.

Timber Column Forest
The roof is supported by a series of circular timber columns, forming what resembles a man-made forest. These columns vary in size and placement, contributing to a dynamic environment. Alongside their structural role, they provide protection from the wind, allowing the meditation area to remain open and welcoming.

Reflective Parapet
A band of reflective material runs along the parapet, mirroring the surrounding landscape. This design element helps blur the boundaries between the structure and nature. It adds a layer of depth, promoting a sense of calm and connection to the setting.

Sunlight pours through circular openings above, casting gentle patterns on the ground. These shifting light effects enhance the space's meditative quality, grounding users in the rhythm of the natural world.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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