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Meditative Retreat with Vertical Wood Slats and Natural Light

Authors:
G. Crystel Villafranca, William Valle-pinto
Meditative Retreat with Vertical Wood Slats and Natural Light
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Composed of vertical wood slats that harmonize with light and nature, the cabin facilitates a unique meditative experience designed for mindfulness and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates an octagonal shape to enhance spatial perception and connection to nature.
02
Features vertical wood slats that filter sunlight and create dynamic interior lighting.
03
Offers dedicated meditation zones to support various mindfulness practices.
04
Utilizes glass panels for unobstructed views, merging inside and outside environments.
05
Incorporates natural materials to promote a sense of tranquility and harmony.

The Mauri Meditation Cabin is located in a peaceful natural environment, designed to offer a calming space for meditation and mindfulness practices. The cabin embodies the concept of "Mauri," which means life force and highlights the vital essence inherent in all living things. With its octagonal shape, the design fosters a strong connection between the users and their surroundings, encouraging both introspection and an appreciation of nature.

Conceptual Framework

The design is built around three main themes: grounding, clarity, and energy. The entrance serves as a thoughtful transition into the space, preparing visitors as they move into a mindful state. This careful planning creates an environment that supports reflection and inner peace.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the cabin is arranged into three distinct zones that guide users through their meditation experience. The central area focuses on clarity, providing a calm space that encourages concentration and self-reflection. Each section is designed to enable different activities and interactions, reinforcing the purpose of the cabin as a space for meditation.

Material Integration

The choice of materials plays an important role in enhancing the cabin's overall atmosphere. Vertical wood slats contribute to the structure while connecting it to the natural surroundings. Glass panels are used thoughtfully to invite natural light, creating a welcoming interior and helping to dissolve the boundary between inside and outside.

Design Details

Attention to light and shadow is evident in the way wooden elements and glass work together, creating a changing ambiance throughout the day. These design aspects are functional but also enrich the sensory experience, inviting users to immerse themselves in the meditative environment crafted within the cabin.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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