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Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Ventilation Amidst a Valley Retreat for Meditation

Authors:
Anais Gatesoupe, Noemie Gatesoupe, Cecile Elicagaray
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Ventilation Amidst a Valley Retreat for Meditation
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Constructed with rammed earth walls and enhanced natural ventilation, the design provides a serene environment for meditation within the tranquil landscape of the Vale de Moses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass for climate control.
02
Folding windows create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
03
A central inertia wall links private and communal spaces.
04
An oculus above the entry enhances natural lighting.
05
The design incorporates a rainwater collection system.

The design situated in the "Vale de Moses" reflects the principle of Ahimsa, focusing on harmony and non-violence in relation to the environment. It is set among trees, creating the impression that the structure is floating within nature. Its purpose is to serve as a space for yoga and meditation, fostering a sense of calm and reflection for its users.

Conceptual Framework
The design aims to maintain the site's natural features. It comprises two interconnected forms that revolve around a prominent inertia wall. This wall links private areas with a shared yoga practice space, allowing for both community interaction and personal contemplation.

Entry Experience
Visitors enter through a rammed earth wall where light filters through an oculus above. This thoughtful design enhances the transition into the yoga shala, which features views of the valley. Folding wooden windows create a connection with the outdoors, letting natural elements enter the space while providing shelter.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces
The design includes a terrace that extends the yoga area into the outdoor environment. This terrace offers shelter from direct sunlight, making it a comfortable spot for relaxation and contemplation. It encourages interaction with the landscape, deepening the connection between the space and its surroundings.

Material Considerations
Materials play a vital role in the overall design. Rammed earth walls provide durability and thermal comfort, while the wooden post-beam structure adds warmth to interiors. The design also features moucharaby mud bricks for natural ventilation, adapting to seasonal changes. Furthermore, a corrugated roof collects rainwater, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.

An essential aspect of the entry experience is the diagonal passage through the rammed earth wall, leading visitors into the spacious practice area, reinforcing a feeling of immersion in the natural surroundings.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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