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Sunken Meditation Spaces Within Community Huts in Natural Surroundings

Author:
Peter Thompson
Sunken Meditation Spaces Within Community Huts in Natural Surroundings
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A sunken meditation garden complements a series of thoughtfully arranged community huts, creating an environment that fosters artistic reflection and collaboration in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
A sunken meditation garden enhances tranquility and privacy.
02
Huts are arranged to encourage both individual reflection and community interaction.
03
Each hut type is specifically designed for different social dynamics.
04
Natural landscaping integrates seamlessly with the built environment.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The Pavilosta Poet Huts are located in the peaceful area of Pavilosta, designed to be a retreat for artists and poets. The project aims to merge architecture with nature, creating a space that encourages both solitude and community. A variety of hut types provide different living arrangements and the layout includes communal areas for gathering, making it a unique environment for artistic expression.

Design Concept

The design focuses on creating harmony with the surrounding landscape. Each hut occupies its own space but they all contribute to a unified environment. The arrangement of Single, Double, and Quad Huts, along with an Owner's House, promotes various kinds of interaction. This layout responds thoughtfully to the site's natural features, guiding occupants through a series of connected experiences.

Spatial Arrangement

Different hut types cater to various needs for social and private moments. Single Huts offer personal spaces for individual work, while Double and Quad Huts invite shared experiences among residents. This flexible arrangement supports both solitary creativity and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of community in a retreat setting.

Meditation Spaces

A key feature of the design is the Sunken Meditation Garden, created for quiet reflection. This space provides a tranquil environment away from the more active areas, allowing residents to connect with nature. The garden's thoughtful placement enhances privacy and promotes a sense of peace, adding to the overall experience of the retreat.

The connection between the huts and the landscape is clear through open views and carefully designed pathways. These paths encourage exploration, leading users naturally from one space to another while inviting them to interact with their surroundings.

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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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