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Meditation Retreat with Photovoltaic Panels Amid an Artificial Lake

Authors:
Rodrigo Gurgel, Maria Clara Freire, Vitoria Conrado Alexandre, Rita De Cassia Pinheiro Gurgel
Meditation Retreat with Photovoltaic Panels Amid an Artificial Lake
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The integration of photovoltaic panels and a meditation spot within an artificial lake creates a serene environment tailored for poets seeking reflection and inspiration in a thoughtfully organized retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Host's hut serves as a central communal hub for residents.
02
The design includes a meditation area set within an artificial lake.
03
All huts are strategically positioned to enhance privacy and seclusion.
04
Photovoltaic panels provide renewable energy for the entire retreat.
05
Common area features a retractable roof to adapt to different activities.

The design presents a tranquil space situated within a natural environment, intended as a retreat for poets who seek both inspiration and solitude. The layout integrates communal and private areas in a manner that encourages interaction among residents while offering opportunities for quiet reflection. This balance shapes a concept that respects the flow of nature, drawing influence from the movement of nearby trees.

Site Organization

The scheme is organized into clear sections that guide movement from public to private spaces. Central to the arrangement is the host's hut, which acts as a shared hub. It includes living and dining rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, closet, and bedroom, as well as a private terrace. This thoughtful positioning promotes socializing, making it a fitting location for gatherings.

Communal Spaces

Next to the host's hut is the common area, designed to foster collaborative experiences. This multifunctional space features a retractable roof, a dining room, restrooms that accommodate disabilities, and a shared kitchen. These elements encourage residents to enjoy meals together and participate in communal activities, enhancing connections within the group.

Residential Huts

Various residential huts are included in the design, each tailored for specific needs. The four-person hut comes with a kitchenette, storage, bathroom, bedroom, and private terrace, making it suitable for small groups. The two-person huts consist of a storage room, bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and laundry facilities, ideal for couples. Finally, the one-person huts provide a kitchenette, bedroom, private terrace, and bathroom, ensuring that each individual has their own retreat space.

Sustainability and Design Details

Sustainability features prominently in the design through the use of photovoltaic panels, which generate energy for the site. Materials chosen for construction include metal roof insulated panels, interior metal cladding insulated panels, fiberglass insulation, steel structure, glass panes, wood plank flooring with insulated triple glazing, and a radiant floor-based water heating system. A unique aspect is the meditation spot located within an artificial lake, serving as a quiet area for reflection and connection with nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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