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Natural Light and Plywood Harmony in a Flexible Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Bachir Benkirane, Megi Davitidze
Natural Light and Plywood Harmony in a Flexible Meditation Retreat
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A gabled roof and flexible plywood interiors define a meditation retreat designed to facilitate introspection and community engagement through natural light and a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a spiral staircase that optimizes space and offers varied perspectives.
02
Plywood is extensively used for structural elements, enhancing warmth and sustainability.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed operable windows and skylights.
04
The building layout includes flexible areas adaptable for both individual and group activities.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique exterior finish that enhances durability and aesthetics.

The project, titled "Meditation in Rituals," is an architectural retreat designed to facilitate meditation and communal activities in a natural setting. Located within a verdant landscape, the structure emphasizes a seamless integration with its environment. The overall design promotes a tranquil space for introspection while providing flexible areas for group interaction, reflecting the dual purpose of individual meditation and community engagement.

The architectural layout includes two primary zones: one dedicated to meditation and the other for processing flowers, a nod to the organic elements of the retreat. The central gathering space is designed to accommodate various activities, encouraging users to participate in workshops, rituals, or solitary practices. This flexibility is a core aspect of the project, allowing the space to adapt to diverse user needs.

The building features a gabled roof with a minimalistic profile that enhances the sense of openness. The roof design also allows ample natural light to enter through strategically placed skylights, thereby creating an inviting atmosphere. The choice of materials—primarily plywood for structural components, steel for durability, and translucent roofing for natural illumination—demonstrates an emphasis on sustainability and environmental sensitivity.

Spatial Dynamics and Natural Interaction

What distinguishes "Meditation in Rituals" from similar architectural projects is its keen attention to the relationship between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. The structure is positioned to take advantage of the site's natural topography, enhancing the user's experience of connecting with nature. Large operable windows and carefully designed openings facilitate airflow and light, providing views of the lush greenery outside. Instead of separating the built environment from its natural context, the design encourages users to engage with both.

The inclusion of vertical circulation through a spiral staircase optimizes the use of space while offering users varied perspectives within the structure. This design element fosters a sense of exploration, as users transition between levels and discover different qualities of light and spatial relationships.

Sustainable Design Features

The project employs a range of sustainable design principles, making it relevant in the conversation of contemporary architecture. The use of locally sourced materials reduces transportation emissions and fosters a deeper connection to the surrounding environment. The integration of natural finishes further enhances the sensory experience of the space, ensuring that the interior resonates with the tranquility found in nature.

Additionally, the architectural design allows for passive cooling and heating, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This sustainable approach aligns with the overarching theme of the project, which seeks to harmonize human activity with the natural world.

In summary, "Meditation in Rituals" serves as a model for how architecture can function as an effective mediator between individuals and their environment, facilitating a profound connection to nature through thoughtful design. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs further, a comprehensive presentation of the project is available, providing detailed insights into its conception and execution.

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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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