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Polycarbonate Enclosure Embracing Wooden Pathways for Meditative Reflection

Authors:
Butnariu Georgiana, Butnariuc Clarisa Elena
Polycarbonate Enclosure Embracing Wooden Pathways for Meditative Reflection
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A polycarbonate structure interwoven with wooden pathways offers a serene environment for meditation, highlighting the interplay of light and natural materials to enhance spiritual reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditative center emphasizes the Sahasrara chakra to enhance spiritual awareness.
02
Wooden slats create a guiding path that transitions through various natural textures.
03
Polycarbonate panels allow filtered light to permeate, contributing to a serene atmosphere.
04
Design features circular shells that balance openness with a sense of enclosure.
05
The layout reveals changing views of the valley, enriching user engagement with nature.

The Root combines nature and spirituality in a design that encourages self-reflection. Located in a peaceful landscape, it provides a space for meditation and contemplation. The architecture leads users from the outside world into a serene interior, illustrating a journey marked by personal and collective awareness. The presence of seven trees and seven chakra points symbolizes a deeper connection to both the environment and oneself.

Spatial Organization

A pathway created by wooden slats guides visitors through the site, revealing varying views of the surrounding valley. Each step brings new perspectives on the landscape, emphasizing a relationship between nature and the individual. At the heart of this journey is the Sahasrara, or crown chakra. This element represents pure consciousness, adding a layer of meaning to the overall design.

Materiality

Wood and polycarbonate sheets are the primary materials used in the construction. Wood provides the structural support, anchoring the design to the earth. Polycarbonate sheets wrap around the building, allowing soft light to enter the spaces. This combination of materials highlights an intention to create an environment that is both connected to nature and filled with light.

User Experience

Visitors experience a carefully planned journey as they move from solid surfaces like stone to the soft textures of grass. This transition enhances the feeling of connection with the landscape. The design features circular forms that create a balance between openness and shelter. This thoughtful arrangement promotes moments of quiet reflection while still engaging with the surroundings.

Light and Space

Light plays an essential role in shaping the atmosphere within The Root. The positioning of openings in the structure directs views toward key focal points in the landscape. Natural light filters through the polycarbonate panels, creating a peaceful setting suitable for meditation. The vertical elements of the design guide the eye upward, fostering a connection with both nature and the sky above.

The design of The Root is marked by its attention to space and movement. Each pathway invites exploration and encourages visitors to engage deeply with their environment. By blending natural elements with a focus on spirituality, the architecture creates a setting for contemplation and connection.

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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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