The Individual & Collective meditation huts in New Zealand are designed to connect users with the natural surroundings while supporting both personal and group meditation. These structures focus on a blend of personal reflection and shared experience. The design highlights how people can find solitude and community within the same environment, creating a space where meditation can thrive.

Geometric Forms

The huts utilize geometric shapes, specifically triangles and pentagons, to create distinct spaces. One triangular hut surrounds a single meditator, providing a sense of protection and focus. Meanwhile, the pentagonal arrangement accommodates five people, encouraging a communal approach to meditation. This layout is not just practical; it symbolizes the balance between solitude and connection, emphasizing that meditation can be both a personal and collective journey.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the huts is carefully designed to enhance the interplay between the buildings and their surroundings. Each hut is positioned around a central pentagonal platform, allowing each user to have a personal view while also feeling engaged with others nearby. The design combines enclosed areas with open ones, offering the option of heated or unheated spaces. This adaptability contributes to a comfortable meditative atmosphere, where users can immerse themselves in mindfulness regardless of the climate.

Functional Versatility

Versatility is a crucial aspect of the meditation huts, as each one features screens to shield users from harsh weather. These screens enable comfortable meditation in various conditions. Additionally, the rear screen can be opened to create a workspace where users can process plants, showing the design's flexibility beyond just meditation. By catering to different activities, the huts engage users in a variety of practices, enhancing their overall experience.

Material Considerations

The huts are built using prefabricated metal bases that make assembly straightforward and efficient. Elevating the structures minimizes disturbance to the site, maintaining a connection to nature. Wooden decking offers a natural touch, while brick surrounds the fireplaces, which act as central gathering points for meditation. Each material serves a purpose, reflecting careful thought in the construction while contributing to a functional and meaningful environment.

Five individual fireplaces are integrated within the pentagonal arrangement, providing focal points that invite each practitioner to engage in their meditation while being part of a larger community. This design choice underscores the blend of solitude and togetherness, allowing for a rich meditative experience.