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Moss-Infused Serenity Within Live Edge Wood Retreat

Authors:
Justas Zadeika, Emmanuelle Adam
Moss-Infused Serenity Within Live Edge Wood Retreat
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Moss-infused walls and live edge wood planks create a tranquil retreat in the heart of Tokyo, designed for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss integrated into walls for enhanced acoustics and air quality.
02
Live edge wood planks create a natural aesthetic and tactile experience.
03
Tech-enabled touchscreen tablet offers customizable meditation settings.
04
A dedicated wardrobe area encourages users to leave outside stress behind.
05
Dome lighting feature simulates cycles of natural light to enhance relaxation.

The Breathe-In meditation cabin is located in the busy Marunouchi area of Tokyo, where many people pass through daily. Designed as a quiet space for mindfulness and reflection, the cabin serves as a retreat from the stresses of city life. The overall concept is centered on creating a space that immerses users in nature, allowing them to disconnect and find peace in a hectic environment.

Materials and Structure

The exterior features live edge wood planks that draw attention to their natural form. This choice enhances the sound quality within the cabin, allowing for an experience that is both calming and emotionally resonant. The design encourages a shift from the chaotic outside world to a tranquil interior, offering comfort and safety for those who enter.

Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Moss is used between the wooden planks, adding a unique visual element while also improving the space’s sound absorption and air quality. This integration of natural elements deepens the connection between users and their surroundings, providing a refreshing and healthy atmosphere.

User Experience and Interaction

Inside, a dome lighting feature creates an inviting atmosphere, adjusting the lighting to reflect changes in nature. This element not only enhances the overall experience but also allows users to feel more in tune with their environment. Technology is used thoughtfully, with a touchscreen tablet that lets users customize their meditation settings. They can choose from various soundscapes and lighting options that mimic different natural settings, allowing for a personal experience.

Final Design Detail

A wardrobe area for coats and bags invites visitors to leave their outside world behind, further deepening their immersion into the calming space. The seating area is spacious and comfortable, encouraging users to relax and engage fully in their meditation practice. This thoughtful design nurtures a connection not only with oneself but also with the natural world surrounding the cabin.

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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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