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Meditation Pyramid Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber with Natural Water Filtration System

Authors:
Alisha Gupta, Mohit Bhoria, Naina Krishan
Meditation Pyramid Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber with Natural Water Filtration System
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A meditation pyramid constructed from cross-laminated timber integrates a natural water filtration system and curved pathways to create a serene therapeutic environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation pyramid design enhances spatial acoustics for improved mindfulness.
02
Water filtration system utilizes collected rainwater for sustainable use.
03
Curved pathways integrate seamlessly with the natural topography of the site.
04
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse therapeutic programs and activities.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide durability while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

### Project Overview

The design project is located in a geographical area chosen for its natural landscape, with an emphasis on creating an environment that supports well-being. The conceptual framework is rooted in phenomenology, focusing on the engagement of the five senses to facilitate healing and reduce stress. The intention is to establish a therapeutic environment that harmonizes architecture with its natural context.

### Spatial Strategy and Zoning

The site organization is thoughtfully structured to enhance functionality and adhere to themes of wellness and treatment. Key components of the layout include a welcoming entrance portal that guides visitors into the therapeutic space, a Diet and Nutrition Center dedicated to promoting healthy living through culinary activities, and accommodation for staff alongside private residences that encourage relaxation and connection with the landscape. Dedicated areas such as the Meditation Pyramid and Sacred Sites foster introspection and spiritual engagement. The use of natural pathways, characterized by curved lines, reflects an organic flow of movement that aligns with the site's topography.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a diverse range of materials selected for their functional and aesthetic properties. Timber provides warmth and creates a natural bond with the surroundings, while glass facilitates natural light, enhancing visual connections between interior and exterior spaces. Stone elements resonate with the local geology, reinforcing contextual relevance, and steel is utilized for structural support, maintaining aesthetic integrity. The design includes a Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) approach, optimizing solar energy through strategic orientation and passive solar heating techniques. An artificial pond collects rainwater, which is processed through a three-tiered filtration system for culinary use, embodying resource conservation and sustainability practices.

Incorporating outdoor spaces is crucial for enhancing the user experience and fostering a stronger connection to nature, essential for mental health. These design choices collectively promote a holistic architectural approach that intertwines physical space with psychological and emotional well-being.

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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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