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Spruce Cabins Inspired by Tea Leaf Forms for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Ben (chieh-min) Chang, Shaz (razieh) Nasiri
Spruce Cabins Inspired by Tea Leaf Forms for Mindful Retreats
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Inspired by the proportions of tea leaves, the design integrates local spruce timber to create serene cabins that promote mindfulness and retreat within the forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the structure of tea leaves, the cabins feature elongated forms.
02
Local spruce timber is the primary material used, enhancing environmental integration.
03
Sliding doors increase the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding forest.
04
Wooden posts create dynamic light and shadow patterns within the cabins.
05
The design encourages mindfulness through intentional spatial organization.

The Leaf Cabin is located in Latvia, between the Ozolini retreat and Lake Bezdibenė. It offers a quiet space for people looking to escape busy urban life. The design centers on the idea of finding peace and self-discovery in nature. By connecting the built structure with the surrounding landscape, the cabins create an environment that encourages mindfulness and reflection.

Design Inspiration

The overall shape of the Leaf Cabin takes inspiration from the structure of a tea leaf. This results in long, slender forms that harmonize with the natural surroundings. This choice aims to relate the buildings to the environment, ensuring that they look like an extension of the forest rather than separate entities.

Structural Composition

Wooden posts are key components in the design. They create interesting patterns of light and shadow inside the cabins. This design not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports a conversation between indoor and outdoor spaces. Occupants can appreciate different areas for meditation, relaxation, and interaction with nature while maintaining a clear connection to the forest.

Material Strategy

Sustainability plays an important role in the choice of materials. Local spruce trees are primarily used, supporting environmental goals while also helping the cabins blend in with the landscape. This decision highlights the importance of locality, making the project feel more connected to its geographic setting.

Spatial Experience

Sliding doors feature prominently throughout the cabins. They offer easy access and allow light and air to flow freely. Such design choices enhance the sensory experience and help blur the lines between inside and outside. The result is a calming space where nature becomes part of daily life.

Inside, the Leaf Cabin fosters a tranquil atmosphere, allowing light to filter through and casting gentle shadows on the interior. This environment invites individuals to pause, reflect, and feel a deeper connection to the natural world around them.

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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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