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Mindfulness Box and Bat-Friendly Windows in a Concrete and Wood Retreat

Authors:
Juan Pablo Alarcon Romero, Ana Sofia Rivera Araiza
Mindfulness Box and Bat-Friendly Windows in a Concrete and Wood Retreat
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The Mindfulness Box and bat-friendly windows enhance a concrete and wood retreat designed for artists, providing both a serene space for contemplation and an interactive environment for creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mindfulness Box designed for quiet reflection and inspiration.
02
Bat-friendly tuck-in windows support local wildlife.
03
Workshop layout maximizes natural light and encourages creativity.
04
Enclosed courtyard fosters a secure outdoor space for residents.
05
Concrete and wood materials chosen for durability and warmth.

The Dialogs Lake House is designed to serve artists and their families, providing both living and working spaces in a peaceful setting. It emphasizes inspiration and reflection, creating a place where inhabitants can engage with their environment. The design promotes a sense of belonging while balancing private needs with communal activities. The concept revolves around the idea of inhabiting as a process, encouraging connections between the inhabitants and the spaces they occupy.

Interior Focus Space Set

The Interior Focus Space Set features several essential components: a workshop, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, an enclosed courtyard, and the Mindfulness Box. This set-up creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing residents to find comfort and security. The Mindfulness Box is especially noteworthy, designed as a separate area for quiet thought and relaxation, fostering mental well-being amidst the active spaces.

Shared Space Set

The Shared Space Set plays a crucial role in encouraging collaboration and community among the artists. It includes a shared gallery and workshop, a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen, a dining area, and laundry facilities. These spaces are designed to facilitate both creative work and social interaction. By bringing people together in communal areas, the design supports conversation and collaboration, which are vital to the creative process.

Exterior Focus Space Set

The Exterior Focus Space Set complements the interior elements with its own features. It comprises another workshop, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a home office. The careful orientation of the roof allows for ample natural light, enhancing both the workshop and the gathering spaces. This attention to light makes the interior warm and inviting, ensuring that residents feel connected to their surroundings.

Concrete is primarily used in the workshops, providing strength and durability for artistic activities. Wood is utilized in the living and shared areas, contributing to a sense of warmth and comfort. Noteworthy design features include bat-friendly tuck-in windows, which highlight a commitment to ecological considerations. The layout thoughtfully organizes spaces into private, semi-private, and public areas, fostering a balanced living environment. The Dialogs Lake House effectively brings together private and community life, creating a supportive setting for artistic expression.

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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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