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Nature-Integrated Zen Space with Sustainable Practices

Authors:
Luis Alfonso Gutierrez Suarez, Efrén Antonio Reyes Pérez, Maria Fernanda Jaimez Charry, Juan Sebastián García Zamora
Nature-Integrated Zen Space with Sustainable Practices
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With a Zen garden and elements of forest bathing, the design integrates sustainable practices and unobstructed views of Vale de Moses to create a dedicated space for meditation and yoga.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a biodigester for organic waste management.
02
Zen garden elements are integrated to enhance meditation experiences.
03
The layout maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Rainwater collection systems support garden irrigation and sustainability.
05
Gray water is reused for toilet facilities, promoting resource efficiency.

The Quiet House is located in the Vale de Moses and is designed as a space for meditation and yoga practice. It serves as a sanctuary, allowing individuals to connect deeply with their surroundings. The design concept is rooted in harmony and calmness, allowing the building to integrate naturally into the landscape while providing a comforting environment.

Architecture Concept

The design focuses on practical spaces that support yoga activities. An elongated structure enhances movement within the facility, making it easy to navigate between different areas. Service spaces, such as the lobby and kitchen, connect well with dedicated zones for yoga and outdoor activities. The yoga area has been thoughtfully placed to offer clear views of the Vale de Moses, making nature an integral part of the practice.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability plays an important role in the project. Several features aim to reduce environmental impact. Rainwater collection systems provide irrigation for gardens, while gray water is reused for toilets. A biodigester processes organic waste, converting it into biogas for potential energy use. These strategies reflect a commitment to efficient resource management and support the facility’s overall purpose.

Connection to Nature

The design draws inspiration from Shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing.” This principle encourages visitors to engage with nature directly. A Zen garden is incorporated into the layout, promoting feelings of stability, fluidity, transformation, and rhythm. Each feature is chosen carefully to create a peaceful environment suitable for meditation and reflection.

Materiality

Details on materials are limited, but the project upholds the idea of invisibility in architecture. The aim is to use materials that do not distract from the beauty of the Vale de Moses. This emphasis helps to ensure that the building maintains a low profile within its environment, allowing nature to remain the focal point and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The design encourages a deep sense of awareness, fostering connections between people and the environment through thoughtfully designed spaces and elements that reflect the surrounding landscape.

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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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