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Flood-Resilient Cabin Featuring Reflective Glass and Timber Elements for Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Hao-tin Lin, Jeremy Tan
Flood-Resilient Cabin Featuring Reflective Glass and Timber Elements for Mindful Retreat
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Raised for flood resilience, the cabin incorporates reflective glass and timber elements to create a mindful retreat that fosters deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure designed to prevent flood damage.
02
Incorporates a smoke-free Irori Japanese sunken hearth for heating.
03
Features a reflective glass mirror to enhance self-reflection.
04
Timber posts and rafters create slits for diffused daylight.
05
Modular furniture allows for adaptable meditation spaces.

SPACED OUT is a proposed cabin design located in the natural landscape of New Zealand. The project aims to create a space that encourages personal reflection and connects visitors to their environment. The design emphasizes the use of light and shadow to enhance the experience of being present in the moment.

Spatial Features

The cabin includes three main elements: the time tunnel, self-reflection, and connection. The time tunnel acts as an entrance, inviting visitors into a unique play of sunlight and shadow. This aspect highlights the value of each moment, preparing occupants for an attentive and mindful experience as they enter the cabin.

Self-Reflection Space

At the heart of the cabin is the self-reflection area, which features a reflective glass mirror. This mirror encourages visitors to engage with their thoughts and feelings. The design here promotes a calming environment, allowing individuals to explore their inner thoughts and emotions without distraction.

Connection to Nature

The connection space allows occupants to appreciate the surrounding landscape through strategically placed windows. This design choice reduces distractions while enhancing the experience of the outdoors. Natural light floods the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Modular furniture provides flexibility, accommodating various activities and meditation practices for individuals.

Environmental Considerations

Attention to the environment is evident in several design choices. The cabin is raised to prevent potential flooding, indicating a thoughtful approach to site conditions. A smoke-free Irori Japanese sunken hearth serves as a heating source, ensuring good air quality while adding a layer of cultural significance. Wooden posts and rafters create slits in the roof, allowing filtered light to illuminate the space, contributing to a tranquil ambiance throughout the cabin.

SPACED OUT exemplifies a design that respects its natural surroundings while offering a place for self-exploration and contemplation. The combination of practical features and thoughtful design helps create a space where individuals can connect with both themselves and nature.

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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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