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Meditation Cab Enveloped in Natural Light and Defined by Color-Coded Spaces

Author:
Jason Earnest
Meditation Cab Enveloped in Natural Light and Defined by Color-Coded Spaces
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The Meditation Cab, designed with an 8x8 footprint and illuminated by a central skylight, offers a unique space defined by color-coded zones that facilitate both communal interaction and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation Cab serves as a mobile and temporary reflective space.
02
Skylight design maximizes natural light throughout the day.
03
Color-coded zones facilitate intuitive navigation and function distinction.
04
Open layout eliminates traditional doorways, enhancing connectivity to nature.
05
Wood and glass elements create a harmonious blend with the environment.

The design explores the integration of open spaces with nature, creating a setting that encourages both interaction and introspection. It provides a space for gatherings and personal moments. The emphasis on transparency and natural light shapes a welcoming environment that connects people with their surroundings.

Design Concept

The large open room is a central feature, characterized by a significant skylight in the roof and windows on either side of the building. This layout allows natural light to fill the space and enhances the overall atmosphere. The absence of traditional doors promotes a fluid transition between inside and outside, giving a sense of freedom in movement and connection to the landscape.

Spatial Organization

A notable aspect is the Meditation Cab, designed with an 8x8 footprint. It is mobile and temporary, allowing for flexible use. This area encourages personal reflection while remaining part of the larger community space, enhancing the sense of connection to both self and others. The design accommodates various activities, underscoring its adaptability.

Materiality and Color Coding

Wooden panels and glass panels are used to create a link with the outdoors. These materials contribute to the overall look of the space while also fulfilling practical needs. Color coding helps identify different areas: red indicates private spaces and blue signifies public zones. This system makes it easier for users to understand the layout and navigate the building naturally.

Privacy Considerations

Though the interior promotes openness, privacy is considered in the design. A privacy wall provides some separation, allowing for quiet moments without completely isolating users from the communal aspect of the space. This balance enriches the experience, giving individuals the opportunity for reflection while still being part of the larger environment.

Light plays a crucial role in the experience of the building. The skylight not only brightens the interior but also creates a connection to the sky, allowing the changing natural light to influence the atmosphere throughout the day.

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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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