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Scented Pathways Through Organic Forms in a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Mostafa Salem, Yehia Mokhtar
Scented Pathways Through Organic Forms in a Serene Retreat
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Integrating a scent-releasing Essence Holder along a pathway, the retreat uses organic forms and wooden beams to create a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a scent-releasing Essence Holder along the approach path.
02
The cabin features organic forms that mirror its natural surroundings.
03
Wooden beams are used to enhance structural integrity while maintaining aesthetics.
04
Users experience a gradual transition from open landscape to secluded interior.
05
The space accommodates diverse meditation practices with varying exposure levels.

The Meditation Cabin is designed to provide a space for reflection and inner peace. Set within a lush landscape, it functions as a retreat that invites its users to leave behind daily distractions and engage deeply with nature. From the beginning of the journey to the cabin, visitors are encouraged to embrace their senses, setting the tone for their experience before they even arrive.

Conceptual Framework

A central aspect of the design is "The Essence Holder," a feature along the pathway that releases a scent from local flowers. This element is carefully placed to engage users as they walk towards the cabin, enhancing their sensory experience. By introducing this fragrant element, the aim is to deepen the connection between the users and the natural environment surrounding them.

Morphological Design

The shape of the Meditation Cabin reflects its natural setting. It features an organic form that blends with the landscape, promoting a sense of harmony. The design employs symmetry and repetition, incorporating vertical and rounded elements that evoke feelings of comfort and calm. These characteristics not only provide visual interest but also ensure that the space accommodates different forms of meditation.

Material Selection

Material choices are fundamental to the design's effectiveness. Plywood and wooden beams are the primary materials, selected for both their strength and their aesthetic appeal. The use of these materials helps create a warm and inviting space while also ensuring durability. This selection supports the overall goal of fostering a tranquil atmosphere conducive to meditation.

As users approach the cabin, they begin their journey under the protective cover of trees, gradually moving toward a more secluded interior. This transition from the open air to the cabin creates a focused environment for thought and reflection. The careful arrangement of materials and design elements makes the cabin not just a physical space but a haven for mindful practice.

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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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