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Stone-Walled Cabins Embracing Forest Views for Introspection and Reflection

Authors:
Saima Shaikh, Jheel Tanna, Deepam Prajapati
Stone-Walled Cabins Embracing Forest Views for Introspection and Reflection
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Featuring a stone wall entrance and strategically placed horizontal planes, the cabins provide panoramic forest views that enhance opportunities for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stone wall entrance acts as a symbolic threshold into tranquility.
02
Horizontal planes provide intentional pauses for meditation and reflection.
03
Large openings frame constant views of the surrounding forest.
04
Cabin layout encourages a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Design emphasizes natural light flow to enhance user experience throughout the day.

The design is situated in the forests of Riga, Latvia, serving as a retreat for individuals seeking peace and reflection. The setting is chosen for its natural beauty, encouraging visitors to step away from the fast-paced life of the city. The concept focuses on creating an environment that fosters self-exploration and meditation while being integrated into the surroundings.

Design Concept

The cabins are arranged to provide a sanctuary for personal contemplation. Their layout invites a gentle transition from the outside world into intimate indoor spaces. Horizontal planes act as pauses, guiding visitors into the cabins and framing views of the forest. The thoughtful placement of these elements helps create a sense of harmony with nature.

Materiality

An essential feature of the design is the stone wall that marks the entrance. This element not only supports the structure but also represents the shift from daily life to a place of calm. The stone connects the cabins to the earth, grounding the structures in their context. It enhances the experience of being in nature, allowing users to feel the surrounding landscape.

Light and Movement

Movement within the cabins encourages users to ascend, with horizontal planes designed to create functional areas for contemplation. Natural light plays a vital role, illuminating the spaces during different times of day. Large openings allow for views into the forest, fostering interaction between the cabins and the environment. This design approach emphasizes a continuous appreciation of nature.

Interior Experience

Inside, the cabins offer various vantage points that heighten the experience of reflection. The changing patterns of light add dynamism to the interior, aligning with the natural rhythms of the forest. Each space is crafted to give users a chance to connect deeply with their thoughts and the surrounding landscape, inviting a sense of tranquility and self-discovery.

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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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