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Panoramic Views and Spray Foam Insulation in Compact Forest Retreats

Author:
Christian Oanda
Panoramic Views and Spray Foam Insulation in Compact Forest Retreats
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Constructed with parabolic columns and sustainable wood paneling, the design integrates panoramic views and a raised platform, offering a compact retreat that prioritizes silent meditation in the Latvian forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with parabolic columns that enhance stability and design aesthetics.
02
Double-glazed glass windows maximize natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency.
03
Vertical bi-fold doors create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Spray foam insulation ensures effective thermal performance and energy efficiency.
05
Raised platform design enhances the meditation experience with unobstructed forest views.

The Silent Meditation Cabins are designed as peaceful retreats in the forests of Latvia. They provide short-stay accommodation aimed at facilitating silent meditation. This architectural work aims to create a space where visitors can escape the noise of city life and connect with nature. The overall concept is centered around simplicity and functionality, ensuring that each cabin serves as a place of calm and reflection while offering essential amenities.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout includes a variety of multi-functional spaces that are both practical and supportive of meditation practices. Each cabin features a meditation floor, a kitchenette, and a bunk bed positioned above a bathroom and a water tank. This compact design allows for efficient use of space while maintaining comfort, creating an environment where visitors can relax and focus on their meditation.

Visual Integration

Panoramic views form an essential part of the design, as the cabins are oriented to take full advantage of the surrounding forest. This thoughtful consideration helps set a calming atmosphere, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in nature. By fostering a connection with the landscape, the cabins enhance the overall experience of peace and tranquility.

Structural Design

The cabins utilize a wood frame structure characterized by bridle joints that link parabolic vertical columns to joists. This method ensures durability while maintaining a compact form. Large double-glazed windows are installed to illuminate the spaces with natural light and maintain thermal comfort throughout the seasons. Wood paneling on the walls complements the natural setting, reinforcing the connection to the forest.

Transition to Nature

At the rear, the cabins are designed with a raised platform that extends from the interior spaces and features vertical bi-fold doors. These doors facilitate easy movement between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing daily activities to flow naturally into the surrounding landscape. This design encourages a deeper engagement with nature, enhancing the experience of meditation and reflection in an environment that supports relaxation and inner peace.

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The Next House: USA
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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