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Rainwater Systems and Natural Ventilation in a Wood and Stone Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Karen Frome, Darwin Poblete, Andrea Yang, Marta Portillo
Rainwater Systems and Natural Ventilation in a Wood and Stone Meditation Retreat
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With a rainwater collection system and operable wood panels that enhance natural ventilation, the meditation cabin offers a harmonious space for reflection, deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Operable panels provide flexible interactions with the surrounding nature.
02
The rainwater collection system supports a lush planter within the cabin.
03
Wood screens are designed to diffuse light and sound, enhancing tranquility.
04
Natural ventilation is prioritized through strategically placed openings.
05
The project incorporates sustainable design elements to minimize environmental impact.

The VALE DE MOSES MEDITATION CABIN, known as DiStill Hut, is located in a tranquil natural environment and serves as a space for meditation. The design integrates the surrounding landscape with the goal of creating a balance between the inside and outside worlds. The structure captures important elements like water, sun, and wind, turning them into useful resources that enhance the user experience.

Architecture Concept

The main idea behind the meditation cabin is to act as a bridge between the internal environment and nature. By incorporating elements found in the surrounding landscape, the building makes use of natural resources such as energy and water. The layout is thoughtfully arranged to provide a serene setting where users can engage in self-reflection while being surrounded by nature.

Materiality and Construction

The meditation cabin is built using wood and stone, materials that harmonize with the environment. The wood serves as both walls and roof, providing structural support while giving a warm and inviting appearance. The stone flooring adds a grounding effect and enhances the tactile experience of the interior space. These materials are chosen to promote sustainability and enrich the sensory experience for those using the cabin.

Environmental Integration

A notable feature of the cabin is its approach to managing rainwater. The design includes a system that collects rainwater and channels it through screens, creating a soothing sound that enhances the meditation experience. This system also encourages the growth of plants, contributing to the calming atmosphere. Large operable windows and a significant panel allow for interaction with the outside, making it easy for occupants to connect with nature.

Sensory Experience

The layout employs various openings and screens to filter light and sound. This approach reduces distractions and helps create a peaceful environment. The arrangement of these elements also allows for natural airflow and control over light, giving users the ability to adjust their surroundings to increase comfort. The focus on sensory experience results in a welcoming space designed for relaxation and reflection.

Floor-to-ceiling operable panels frame views of the landscape, further linking the interior of the cabin with the natural world outside. This connection fosters a sense of peace, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in their surrounding environment.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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