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Handcrafted Ceramics and Natural Wood Create Tranquil Meditation Space

Authors:
Eloisa Fierro Freira, Ana Irene Muzio Pérez
Handcrafted Ceramics and Natural Wood Create Tranquil Meditation Space
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Handcrafted ceramics and natural wood elements converge in a tranquil space designed for meditation, fostering a deep connection to nature while serving as a community sanctuary.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to integrate fully with the surrounding landscape through large expanses of glass.
02
Utilizes handcrafted ceramics to reflect local architectural traditions and enhance aesthetics.
03
Features natural wood as the primary structural element, ensuring sustainability and warmth.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to promote ecological responsibility.
05
Configured to create distinct zones for social interaction and individual reflection.

The design is set in a tranquil landscape, creating a space for meditation and personal reflection. It aims to help individuals reconnect with their essence, fostering a relationship between the built environment and the surrounding nature. By focusing on natural light and open areas, the design encourages users to leave behind the complexities of everyday life and enter a calming atmosphere that supports introspection.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The layout organizes different areas to promote community interaction. These include social spaces, a kitchenette, a reception area, and necessary hygienic facilities. The arrangement allows movement between spaces that encourages connection among users. Open facades and large windows enhance the feel of spaciousness, drawing in views from outside and connecting the interior with the natural surroundings.

Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

Natural and sustainable materials are central to the design, reflecting local building traditions. Handcrafted ceramics add an authentic touch, while wood provides both structural support and aesthetic warmth. This choice of materials not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that the building respects and complements the environment.

Color Palette and Emotional Engagement

A carefully selected color palette significantly influences the mood inside the building. The colors are chosen to encourage calmness and peace, making the space inviting for meditation. This thoughtful approach to color deepens the sensory experience, aligning with the goal of promoting well-being among users.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is integrated throughout the design. Features like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems minimize the building's environmental impact. These elements reflect a commitment to ecology, ensuring the space nurtures personal growth while also being mindful of the surrounding natural world.

Large windows welcome an abundance of natural light, creating a bright atmosphere and framing picturesque views of the landscape outside.

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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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