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Lattice-Filtered Light and White Wood in a Mindfulness Retreat

Authors:
Lorena Betancourt, Rolando Vázquez
Lattice-Filtered Light and White Wood in a Mindfulness Retreat
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Lattice elements filter natural light into a tranquil space defined by white wood, creating an inviting environment for yoga and mindfulness practice amidst the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lattice design enables filtered natural light to create a calming ambiance.
02
Curtains provide dual functionality for immersion and weather protection.
03
A multipurpose stairway serves as both access and storage solution.
04
Terrace garden incorporates an additional meditation area for users.
05
White wood finishes enhance serenity and blend with the natural surroundings.

The design in Vale de Moses combines nature and function to support the practice of yoga. The setting invites individuals to engage in mindfulness and reflection. The overall concept is centered on the idea of freedom, providing a space for people to connect with themselves and their surroundings while also accommodating group activities.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the design features a main yoga room, a storage area for yoga equipment, and a small kitchen adjacent to an outdoor dining space. There are also bathrooms and a terrace garden that includes a meditation spot. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate easy movement, allowing users to transition smoothly from one activity to another.

Curtain Functionality

Curtains are essential in this design. They serve a dual purpose: creating an immersive atmosphere during practices like shavasana by blocking external light and sound, while also providing protection from the elements. This allows users to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort inside.

Natural Light and Lattice Elements

Lattice work is a key feature that enhances the experience of natural light in the space. The lattice filters sunlight, creating a calming atmosphere. This design choice mitigates harsh sunlight while promoting relaxation, helping users to feel more connected to the environment.

Multipurpose Components

A multipurpose stairway links the lower and upper levels of the building. It serves as a way to access different areas while also providing storage. This element shows the design’s focus on merging practicality with aesthetics, ensuring that each part of the building contributes to a better experience for the users.

The use of light colors and wooden elements contributes to a peaceful atmosphere, in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Adaptability is also a feature of the design, demonstrated by the inclusion of a folding lattice system that allows for changes in how the space is used.

At night, the building's character shifts. The curtains diffuse light, making it a gentle beacon in Vale de Moses, guiding visitors through the serene landscape.

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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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