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Natural Stone Facades and Timber Beams Creating Serenity in a Mindful Retreat

Author:
Magdalena Żołnierowicz
Natural Stone Facades and Timber Beams Creating Serenity in a Mindful Retreat
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Natural stone facades and exposed timber beams create a harmonious environment that enhances mindfulness and communal experiences in a dedicated meditation retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades enhance durability while providing thermal mass for climate control.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity and rapid assembly.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior with a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Integrated moss features contribute to indoor air quality and sensory experience.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes ceiling height and natural light in meditation areas.

## Analytical Report on the OAK LEAF Meditation Camp

### Overview

Located in a tranquil landscape, the OAK LEAF Meditation Camp is designed to provide a serene environment for meditation and self-reflection. The project integrates natural elements with modern design principles, aiming to foster a connection between individuals and their surroundings. The concept is structured around four fundamental elements—earth, water, air, and fire—each represented in distinct areas of the camp to promote various forms of meditation and community engagement.

### Architectural Elements and Design Features

#### Building Form and Spatial Organization
The meditation camp comprises two main structures, each reflecting the project's elemental theme. The first structure features a gabled roof and a stone facade, embodying the essence of earth through its grounding aesthetics. In contrast, the second structure adopts a contemporary approach with a flat roof and minimalistic design, symbolizing air and lightness. The layout of the site is carefully planned to enhance interaction with nature, with parking located away from the main complex, encouraging visitors to approach on foot.

#### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the camp's identity. Natural stone is employed extensively for the exterior, providing a sense of strength and stability, while large glass panels maximize natural light and promote openness in communal areas. Timber elements introduce warmth to the interiors, contributing to a calming atmosphere conducive to meditation. The interiors also incorporate moss on the floors to connect users with the tactile qualities of the earth. Sustainability features include solar panels for renewable energy, a biogas plant for waste management and energy production, and a water management system that utilizes natural flows to support the site's ecological integrity.

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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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