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Suspended Platform Surrounded by Glass in a Meditation Retreat

Author:
Raphaela Hitsch
Suspended Platform Surrounded by Glass in a Meditation Retreat
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A suspended platform encased in a glass facade provides a serene environment for meditation, allowing the cabin to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings while facilitating therapeutic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended platform design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
A glass facade enhances natural light while maintaining privacy with adjustable light curtains.
03
Four additional cabins create a village-like atmosphere, each oriented for optimal sunlight.
04
Integrated outdoor platforms facilitate yoga and meditation practices in a natural setting.
05
Utilizes a minimal material palette, emphasizing wood and glass for a harmonious aesthetic.

The ALMA | SOUL CABIN is situated in Vale de Moses and serves as a meditation retreat focused on mindfulness and therapeutic practices. The design is simple yet functional, aimed at creating a welcoming environment that promotes reflection and a connection with nature. This project embodies a thoughtful approach to design, integrating elements that help users find peace and serenity.

Design Approach

The cabin features a suspended platform that rests on three closets. These closets serve multiple purposes, including storage and ventilation, which helps keep the interior uncluttered. This layout allows the space to function effectively for therapeutic activities, ensuring that users can focus without distraction. By minimizing visual noise, the design emphasizes the importance of an open environment in promoting well-being.

Connection to the Outdoors

One significant aspect of the cabin is its glass facade, which connects the interior with the natural surroundings. This transparency invites light into the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Users can enjoy views of the landscape while inside, fostering a sense of calm. The option to use light curtains allows the space to adapt, providing privacy when needed while still enhancing the overall experience.

Functional Layout

Inside, the design is organized to support various activities, with dedicated areas for therapy and storage that do not interfere with movement. The project also includes four additional cabins arranged like a small community, each oriented differently to maximize sunlight and views. This arrangement not only adds visual interest but also encourages exploration. The varying heights of the cabins create a lively environment, urging visitors to engage with their surroundings.

Outdoor Features

Outdoor spaces are thoughtfully integrated into the design. Wooden platforms and a pergola support activities such as yoga and meditation while offering areas for relaxation. Hammocks can be added, providing users with options to unwind. The pergola is adaptable, allowing for the addition of curtains or plants, which helps users personalize their experience based on their preferences.

The ALMA | SOUL CABIN illustrates an approach to design that prioritizes functionality and a close relationship with nature. Every detail is considered to support the retreat’s purpose, inviting visitors to experience tranquility and mindfulness in a harmonious setting.

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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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