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Gabion Wall Retreat Enhanced by Thermal Mass and Natural Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Stephan Karetnik, Mckenna Steltzner, Latasha Shelton
Gabion Wall Retreat Enhanced by Thermal Mass and Natural Rainwater Harvesting
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A growing gabion wall of locally sourced stones and a moss-engineered roof for rainwater harvesting define a minimalist cabin designed for solitary meditation in the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
A growing gabion wall allows users to participate in the cabin's evolution by adding local stones.
02
The thermal mass stone floor and walls regulate indoor temperatures effectively.
03
A moss-engineered roof serves as a natural rainwater collection and filtration system.
04
Frameless operable glass panels enhance the connection between interior and exterior spaces.
05
The cabin's design accommodates a single occupant for an immersive meditation experience.

The mediation cabin in Latvia serves as a peaceful retreat designed for self-reflection and a deeper connection with nature. Located within a forested area, the cabin functions as a solitary space where individuals can find tranquility and enhance their mindfulness. The design emphasizes simplicity and calmness, creating an environment that allows users to engage with the natural surroundings effectively.

Architectural Approach

The approach to the cabin's design focuses on passive strategies to maintain comfort. Its orientation plays a crucial role, as it minimizes summer heat gain through effective solar shading. The use of thermal mass stone in the floor and walls helps regulate the indoor temperature by storing heat during colder periods.

Material Selection

Pre-engineered aluminum sections are used for both the roof and floor. This choice ensures that the structure is durable and can be assembled quickly. The selection of materials highlights modern construction techniques that emphasize efficiency while maintaining a sense of harmony within the design.

Interactive Elements

An important aspect of the cabin is the gabion wall, made from stones sourced locally. This feature encourages users to participate in shaping the structure over time, creating a stronger bond between the occupants and the surrounding environment. The thermal qualities of the gabion wall further improve the cabin's energy efficiency, making it a thoughtful design choice.

Connection to Nature

Rainwater harvesting is incorporated into the design, with a moss-engineered roof system that naturally filters water. This system supports the basic needs of a single occupant while also promoting sustainable practices. Frameless operable glass panels serve to blend the interior with the outside environment, allowing for ventilation and enhancing the experience of being in nature.

The cabin is characterized by large glass panels that frame the views of the forest, inviting an abundance of natural light into the space. This design detail encourages users to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying the simple, reflective time within the cabin itself.

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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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