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Nature-Inspired Design with Human-Made Features Emphasizing Open and Closed Spaces

Authors:
Sam Monfared Masoumi, Mohammad Beiglari
Nature-Inspired Design with Human-Made Features Emphasizing Open and Closed Spaces
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With a thoughtful interplay of natural and human-made elements, the design emphasizes a balance between open and closed spaces, creating a reflective environment tailored for meditation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation-inspired design integrates natural and human-made elements.
02
Flexible open and closed spaces encourage user reflection and interaction.
03
Bent A-frame structure enhances spatial dynamics and aesthetic flow.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles promotes sustainability and durability.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural stability while reducing weight.

The architectural design project titled "Meditation Subtract" presents a clear examination of contrasts within the built environment. Located in an area where natural and human-made forms meet, the design focuses on the relationship between openness and enclosure. By doing so, it aims to create a space that encourages reflection and interaction, prompting users to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

Conceptual Framework
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The project distinguishes between "House," a symbol of human habitation, and "Nature made," which highlights elements shaped by the environment. This relationship promotes a balance between built spaces and their natural counterparts. The inclusion of elements like "Open" and "Close" sheds light on different levels of accessibility in architecture, prompting thoughts on how people experience movement through these spaces.

Spatial Dynamics
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Terminologies such as "Unlimited" and "Limited" emphasize the range of possibilities and constraints within architectural design. This distinction encourages a closer look at how buildings can blend imaginative ideas with practical requirements. The contrasting concepts of "Empty" and "Mass" also reveal an important conversation about the role of voids in design. These considerations allow for a richer understanding of how physical spaces can impact people's experiences within them.

Experience of Place
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The focus on "Space" and "Place" invites exploration of the relationship between structures and their geographical context. A building’s setting can greatly affect user experience and aesthetic appeal. Understanding this connection encourages architects to think about how existing landscapes shape their designs, leading to more thoughtful and cohesive architectural expressions.

Material Expression
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While specific materials are not mentioned in the text, the language suggests intentional choices that create a dialogue between natural and human-made features. The design aims for a response to the environment that feels respectful and purposeful. This fosters a connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape, allowing a smoother transition between them.

As natural light filters through, it defines areas that bring a sense of calm, emphasizing the bond between the built environment and the natural world.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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