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Meditation Cabins with Charred Wood Facades and Beaded Wainscot

Author:
Ștefan Șoptelea
Meditation Cabins with Charred Wood Facades and Beaded Wainscot
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Charred wood facades and beaded wainscot define a series of cabins designed for meditation and reflection, seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape while promoting sustainability through efficient water management and solar energy use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins use charred wood to enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Beaded wainscot interior provides a warm and intimate atmosphere.
03
Meditation space extends from the main structure for greater visibility.
04
Roof design incorporates a water tank for efficient resource management.
05
Solar panels ensure sustainable energy supply for the cabins.

The project at Vale de Moses carefully explores the connection between living spaces and nature. Four cabins are constructed to blend in with the landscape, emphasizing a design concept where the built environment does not overshadow its surroundings. The focus is on how architecture can enhance well-being and encourage moments of reflection.

Design Concept
At the heart of the design lies an investigation into happiness and how it relates to the environment. The cabins encourage occupants to take a moment and consider their feelings. By using simple, relatable gestures such as hanging laundry outside, the design prompts users to reconnect with nature and their own experiences of joy.

Spatial Layout
The layout of the cabins is thoughtfully planned to ensure that occupants feel connected to the landscape. Windows are placed for clear views while participating in activities such as meditation or therapy. This design choice allows light to fill the interior, creating a peaceful atmosphere that aligns with the project’s focus on comfort and tranquility.

Meditation Space
A significant feature is the meditation space, which extends slightly from the main structure. This area serves as a quiet retreat for reflection and is designed with elements inspired by basilicas. Its placement in the landscape allows for easy visibility, inviting moments of calm and thoughtfulness, creating a deeper connection to the surroundings.

Sustainability and Materials
Functionality and sustainability are key aspects of the design. The roof is configured to hold a water tank, efficiently managing resources. A separate system is in place for greywater, while solar panels cater to the energy requirements of the cabins. Charred wood is used for the facades, contrasting with the warm interior beaded wainscot. These choices not only appeal to aesthetics but also reflect an intention to foster a relationship between human constructions and the natural world.

Natural light filters into the meditation space, creating a gentle shift in mood throughout the day, enhancing the experience of being in touch with the changes in the surrounding environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
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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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