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Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency

Authors:
Daniel Nguyen, Marcos Carrillo, Spencer Mischka, Jordan Roberts
Meditative Retreat Elevated by Vertical Fins and Rainwater Efficiency
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Elevated by a unique vertical fin system that filters light while facilitating rainwater collection, the cabin serves as a secluded meditation space designed for introspection and connection with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rainwater is collected and filtered for practical use within the cabin.
02
The vertical fin screen system modulates light while maintaining privacy.
03
Each level offers a distinct purpose, enhancing the meditative experience.
04
The design integrates phytoremediation for improved indoor air quality.
05
A sky frame allows natural light to illuminate the second-level sleeping area.

The Perched Meditation cabin is located in the Ozolini forest of northern Latvia. It functions as a retreat, designed to promote mindfulness and a connection to nature. The aim is to provide a tranquil space that allows for deeper introspection and reflection, away from the distractions of modern life. The overall design concept emphasizes layers and spatial arrangement, creating a distinct experience at each level.

Structural Organization

The cabin consists of three stacked levels, each with a specific purpose that enhances the experience for its occupants. The base level is practical, combining spaces for food preparation, storage, and a dry toilet. This level serves as a transition point, helping users shift their focus from the outside world to a more inward state. The utility space is functional yet intentionally crafted to support the need for a personal sanctuary.

Meditative Spaces

As one ascends to the second level, the focus shifts to self-reflection and personal documentation. The area above the bed features a sky frame that allows natural light to filter in, fostering a quiet environment for contemplation. This layout encourages users to engage with their thoughts and feelings, facilitating their journey through meditation.

Connection with Nature

The top level serves as a meditative perch and provides a direct view of the surrounding landscape. It enhances the connection with nature, allowing for an immersive experience. An operable opening gives users the option to control their interaction with the outside environment, creating a varied sensory experience that complements the act of meditating.

Sustainable Systems

A significant aspect of the cabin is the rainwater collection system. The roof is designed to capture rainwater, which is stored in a two-tank in-wall cistern. The primary tank filters air within the cabin, contributing to improved indoor air quality. The secondary tank is for practical uses, such as washing, which reflects a careful approach to sustainability and resource management.

The vertical fin screen system plays a crucial role in shaping the cabin's atmosphere. It filters light and introduces a distinct quality to each space, balancing privacy with a sense of openness as users move through the various levels.

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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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