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Meditative Retreat with Vertical Cladding and Plywood Huts

Authors:
Dustin Yee, Alexander Wilton, Elena Bushell, Nico Bortolin
Meditative Retreat with Vertical Cladding and Plywood Huts
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Utilizing vertical wood cladding and plywood huts, the design creates a meditative retreat that fosters community engagement for visiting poets amidst the natural landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residences are inspired by the concept of austra's koks, symbolizing interconnectedness.
02
Each hut is oriented to a central gathering area to promote community interaction.
03
Plywood is used for wall sheathing, enhancing both warmth and flexibility.
04
Vertical wood slat cladding integrates buildings with the natural landscape.
05
A dedicated meditation room encourages quiet reflection within the retreat.

Saulė is designed as residences for visiting poets, located in the culturally rich environment of Latvia. The project highlights the deep connection between individuals and the natural world. The design concept emphasizes themes of harmony, health, unity, and light. This creates spaces that encourage both personal reflection and community interaction among artists.

Cohesive Layout

The residences are arranged to draw attention toward a central gathering area, which acts as the core for community engagement. This layout provides opportunities for social interaction while also honoring the need for individual solitude. Each residence is inspired by the concept of the austra's koks, depicting a sense of interconnectedness. Together, they represent branches emerging from a common trunk, symbolizing unity within diversity.

Materiality

The choice of materials is an essential aspect of the design. The buildings primarily use wood, which aligns with local traditions and sustainable construction practices. The warmth and texture of wood enhance the experience of the spaces. Plywood serves as wall sheathing, adding versatility and efficiency while maintaining the distinctive appearance of the huts.

Light and Connectivity

Glazing systems are thoughtfully placed to maximize natural light. These openings create visual connections between the interiors and the surrounding landscape. Residents benefit from the changing light conditions during the day, which fosters a strong link between indoor and outdoor environments.

Architectural Language

Vertical wood slat cladding adds to the overall design. This feature serves as both a practical and aesthetic barrier, blending the buildings with their natural surroundings. The architecture respects traditional Latvian values while responding to modern needs, providing a supportive environment for creativity and communal living.

Natural materials and careful detailing create a warm atmosphere. Each residence tells its own story while contributing to a shared community experience, marked by the gentle interplay of light and shadow across the architectural forms.

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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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