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Natural Bamboo Integration in a Timber Meditative Retreat

Author:
Jonathan Choe
Natural Bamboo Integration in a Timber Meditative Retreat
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Constructed with timber logs and hollow bamboo, the pavilion integrates seamlessly into the woodland environment, providing a flexible space for meditation and community activities while enhancing local biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using hollow bamboo to enhance local biodiversity.
02
Features transparent pivot doors that provide 360-degree views of the forest.
03
Integrates existing grassy areas to preserve local wildlife habitats.
04
Anchors functional elements like a custom altar facing the northern sun.
05
Utilizes steel ground screws to minimize soil disturbance during construction.

The Nest Pavilion is positioned in a quiet woodland clearing in New Zealand, designed to improve natural habitats while providing a space for meditation and reflection. The project focuses on creating a multipurpose open-plan area at the Earth Energies Sanctuary. It emphasizes a friendly relationship with the environment. The pavilion functions as a calm gathering place for visitors and supports ecological principles, encouraging a stronger connection between people and nature.

Structural Design
The building features a timber log-framed structure that provides an uncomplicated open layout, suitable for guided meditations and personal reflection. This design promotes a peaceful atmosphere while ensuring adaptability for a range of activities. The structure carefully integrates with the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to experience the natural beauty of the site.



Transparency and Connection
A key aspect of the design is the use of transparent pivot doors, which allow for wide views of the forest. These doors can be opened fully in pleasant weather, making the indoor space feel connected to the outdoor environment. When the weather turns, the pavilion can be closed off to maintain a comfortable atmosphere, while still letting visitors engage with the scenery outside.



Biodiversity Considerations
Biodiversity plays an important role in the design. The pavilion preserves the existing grassy area beneath it, allowing the natural habitat to remain for local animals, like birds and frogs. The use of hollow bamboo and stacked timbers creates a structure that resembles a nest. This approach not only supports the building but also provides habitats for insects and bees, boosting the ecological value of the area.



Material Utilization
Materials chosen for the construction reflect a commitment to sustainability. The main structural component is made from durable timber logs, which ensures longevity. The hollow bamboo added to the design enhances the overall look while also supporting ecological goals. Additionally, the foundation consists of steel ground screws, which minimize soil disturbance and help to keep the landscape intact.

The design culminates in a thoughtful blend of building and nature, creating a tranquil space that balances functional needs with a focus on the environment.

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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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