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Recycled Wood Sanctuary with Zen Garden Integration

Authors:
Dimitris Katsampalos, Nafsika Pitsou
Recycled Wood Sanctuary with Zen Garden Integration
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Large roll-down windows and a Zen Garden complement a structure built from recycled wood, creating a serene retreat designed for mental uplift and spiritual exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large roll-down windows create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
02
Solar panels provide energy autonomy for sustainable living.
03
The cabin is surrounded by a Zen Garden, enhancing relaxation and mindfulness.
04
Recycled wood materials are used throughout the structure for environmental sustainability.
05
The design features a compact footprint, making it suitable for secluded settings.

The Yoga House on a Cliff, located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, is designed as a peaceful retreat meant for mental uplift and spiritual exploration. The wooden cabin emphasizes minimalism and a strong connection to nature, creating an inviting space for reflection and well-being.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on simplicity and tranquility. The cabin features large roll-down windows that allow natural light to fill the interior while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This approach encourages an interaction between indoors and outdoors, making the experience of being in the cabin feel more expansive and connected to nature.

Sustainability and Material Choices

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. Solar panels on the roof contribute to energy independence, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of various types of wood along with recycled materials supports this aim, while also enhancing the aesthetic quality of the cabin. These selections minimize the environmental impact, aligning with the growing interest in more sustainable building practices.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the cabin skillfully balances practical areas with spaces meant for relaxation. It includes essential features such as a kitchen, a leisure area, and a changing room, designed to allow easy movement and flow between the different spaces. The Zen Garden at the entrance adds to the calming atmosphere, serving as a welcoming point that encourages mindfulness upon arrival.

A notable design detail is the balcony, which encourages residents to engage with the natural surroundings while enjoying moments of solitude or connection with others in the serene 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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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