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Mezzanine Retreat Crafted with Corten and Bamboo in the Valley

Author:
Esteban Fernandez
Mezzanine Retreat Crafted with Corten and Bamboo in the Valley
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Elevated on concrete footings, the cabin's bamboo wall and Corten steel accents create a distinctive setting for meditation and yoga in the serene landscape of Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga room features an adjustable bamboo wall for flexible use.
02
Concrete footings elevate the cabin above the ground, enhancing natural views.
03
A mezzanine level provides an immersive perspective of the landscape.
04
Corten steel accents add a unique texture to the overall design.
05
An interior courtyard acts as a central gathering space for visitors.

The Belvedere of the Valley is designed with a focus on wellness and connection to nature. Located in a tranquil landscape, the cabin serves as a retreat for yoga and meditation. It encourages users to immerse themselves in their surroundings while finding peace and reflection. The overall design concept revolves around balancing private spaces with areas that open to the natural environment, creating a setting that invites both solitude and engagement.

Spatial Organization

The layout showcases two main areas positioned on opposite sides of an interior courtyard, which acts as a central hub for the structure. This courtyard welcomes visitors and connects them to the adjacent therapy room, enhancing the cabin's functionality. Large openings allow natural light to enter, creating a bright atmosphere and visual links to the outside landscape.



Flexible Design Elements

The design features a yoga room separated by a bamboo wall that offers flexibility for different activities. This adjustability supports various uses and personal preferences. The meditation space is elevated and accessible by a ladder leading to a mezzanine level. This elevated position enhances the user's experience by providing views of the natural surroundings, drawing them into the environment.



Materiality and Aesthetic

Materials are chosen thoughtfully to establish a connection with nature. Wood and stone are the primary elements, reinforcing a sense of place. Wood cladding creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while Corten steel and concrete provide subtle contrast without overwhelming the main materials. This careful selection emphasizes tranquility and harmony throughout the design.



Engagement with Nature

Elevated on concrete footings, the cabin remains above the ground and encourages interaction with the surrounding landscape. This elevation creates a sense of lightness, making the structure feel as though it is floating. The outdoor form features playful lines that mimic the patterns in the natural habitat, fostering a dialogue between the architecture and its environment. This attention to detail invites visitors to appreciate both the cabin and its natural context.

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The Next House: USA
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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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