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Gabion-Walled Retreats Enhanced by Green Roofs and Local Stone

Author:
Ayelet Shalev
Gabion-Walled Retreats Enhanced by Green Roofs and Local Stone
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Constructed with gabion walls and topped with green roofs, these meditation cabins emphasize a connection to the local landscape while providing tranquil spaces for reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with natural stone gabion walls, enhancing structural integrity and aesthetic connection to the landscape.
02
Green roofs promote biodiversity and assist with stormwater management.
03
Cabins utilize passive solar heating for energy efficiency throughout the year.
04
Interior finishes combine local wood and fabric to create warm, inviting spaces.
05
Each cabin's design follows the golden section for harmonious proportions and visual appeal.

Meditation cabins are designed to blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings while encouraging personal reflection and connection to the environment. Located in a peaceful area, these structures provide quiet spaces where people can engage in introspection and find a sense of tranquility. The overall design concept fosters an understanding of how architecture and nature can coexist.

Concept and Philosophy

The design draws inspiration from philosophical ideas that emphasize balance and harmony. It is meant to create a sense of calm, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. Each cabin stands as a retreat, intentionally placed to integrate with the natural landscape, promoting an environment where mindfulness can thrive.

Materiality and Construction

Natural stone is employed for gabion walls, serving both structural and aesthetic purposes. These walls create a visual connection with the landscape while allowing airflow and light to enhance the experience inside the cabins. Wood and fabric are carefully chosen for the interiors, adding warmth and comfort, making the space inviting and restorative for users.

Sustainability Features

Sustainable practices are integral to the design. The cabins utilize passive solar heating to optimize energy efficiency. Green roofs help manage rainwater while providing insulation. Additionally, systems for recycling grey water support responsible resource use. By incorporating these features, the cabins aim to promote a lifestyle that values environmental stewardship.

Spatial Arrangement and Experience

The layout of the cabins is carefully considered, aiming to foster a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Windows are strategically placed to frame views of the natural environment, inviting the outside in. The proportional design follows the golden section, contributing to a pleasing aesthetic. Upon entering the cabins, one encounters a blend of comfort and nature that encourages relaxation and personal reflection.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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