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Rainwater and Sacred Geometry in a Timber Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Laima Cijunskaite, Aiste Rakauskaite, Julia Panova
Rainwater and Sacred Geometry in a Timber Meditation Retreat
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Incorporating sacred geometry and rainwater management, the timber structure serves as a peaceful meditation cabin, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sacred geometry influences the cabin's form and layout.
02
A bioswale directs rainwater away from the structure while enhancing the landscape.
03
Rotating windows facilitate natural cross-ventilation throughout the space.
04
The altar doubles as movable furniture for flexible interior arrangements.
05
The high roof volume maximizes passive solar heating with abundant daylight.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is a thoughtfully designed space located in a quiet area where people can escape to meditate and reflect. It focuses on simplicity and a strong connection with nature, inviting users to find tranquility and clarity. The design revolves around the principles of sacred geometry, which fosters a sense of balance and harmony that supports personal introspection.

Architecture Concept

Sacred geometry shapes the building's overall design, seen in its rectangular floor plan and triangular roof. This form not only provides visual interest but also helps create an interior space that encourages mindfulness and calmness. The cabin’s layout encourages a dialogue between the indoors and the surrounding environment, letting users engage with nature while they meditate.



Natural Ventilation and Light

This cabin features rotating windows that allow for natural ventilation. Fresh air can easily flow through the space, ensuring comfort for those inside. The high roof effectively captures sunlight, which keeps the interior bright and warm. Additionally, the roof’s angle on the north side maximizes daylight, promoting energy efficiency and reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.



Water Management and Landscape Integration

An important aspect of the design is how it manages rainwater. Water that runs off the roof feeds into a mini bioswale located around the cabin. This feature connects those inside to the natural water cycle, offering a visual reminder of their surroundings. The plants in the bioswale soften the cabin's edges and support local plant life, reinforcing the connection to the natural landscape.



Functional Flexibility

The cabin includes a multifunctional altar for drying flowers, which adds flexibility to the space. This piece of furniture can be moved around easily, allowing users to change the layout as needed and follow the sun’s path throughout the day. This enhances the practicality of the cabin, allowing each user to tailor their environment for meditation and connection with nature.



As natural light streams in through large windows, it creates shifting patterns across the interior, contributing to an atmosphere that encourages reflection and peace.

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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.

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