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Glass Fireplace and Mobile Altar Within a Wooden Pyramid Retreat

Author:
Linda Vendsalu
Glass Fireplace and Mobile Altar Within a Wooden Pyramid Retreat
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A pyramid-shaped structure elevated on wooden pillars incorporates a glass fireplace and a mobile altar, creating a serene space for meditation and communal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pyramid structure enhances spiritual energy for meditation.
02
Elevated design creates usable space beneath for contemplation.
03
Mobile altar maximizes sunlight exposure for flower essence processing.
04
Sliding glass doors provide seamless connection to the natural environment.
05
Glass-enclosed fireplace adds warmth while allowing firewood storage.

The Pyramid Power Meditation Cabin is designed as a refuge for meditation, situated in a natural environment that emphasizes peace and introspection. This structure features a unique pyramid shape, elevated about 2.5 meters above the ground. By integrating traditional symbolic elements with modern design techniques, it encourages users to connect with their surroundings while practicing mindfulness. The layout focuses on creating spaces that prioritize both privacy and accessibility to nature.

Structure and Spatial Configuration

The building is supported by eight wooden pillars, which hold the pyramid above ground and create usable space underneath. This elevation allows for more options in how the area beneath can be utilized. Inside the cabin, there are two primary spaces: an enclosed attic designed for quiet meditation and an open ground floor intended for group activities. This layout promotes versatility, making it suitable for different types of meditative practices and gatherings.

Materials and Aesthetic

The use of wood throughout the cabin establishes a warm, inviting atmosphere. The solid wooden pillars play a crucial role in supporting the structure while echoing a commitment to sustainability. The pyramid’s roof is covered with wooden shingles that receive a biodegradable treatment, intended to develop a natural, silvery-grey finish that helps the cabin blend with the landscape over time. These choices reflect a desire to use materials that are both functional and visually coherent within the environment.

Functional Features

The cabin includes several thoughtfully designed features that enhance its purpose. A mobile altar is positioned to benefit from sunlight, allowing for activities such as flower essence processing that relate to meditation practices. Next to it, a glass-enclosed fireplace adds not just warmth but also a cozy element to the space, with built-in storage for firewood. This arrangement prioritizes comfort and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere.

Access and User Experience

Users reach the attic through a telescope ladder, which adds a distinct character to the space while maximizing usability. The sliding glass doors on the ground floor create a connection between the interior and the natural surroundings, allowing light and sounds from outside to fill the cabin. This feature enhances the experience of being in nature while providing a peaceful environment for meditation. The interior embraces simple lines and open areas, creating a calm setting that encourages reflection and self-discovery.

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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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