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Tapering Forms and Green Walls in a Nature-Focused Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Cristian Mariani, Sabrina Spalletti, Alessandra Franceschini, Lorenzo Di Giuseppe
Tapering Forms and Green Walls in a Nature-Focused Wellness Retreat
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A near-fully openable glass wall and integrated green wall create a nurturing connection to nature in a wellness retreat designed for yoga and communal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
A near-fully openable glass wall connects the interior to the natural landscape.
02
Laminated beams provide both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
A vertical green wall serves as a functional partition and enhances indoor air quality.
04
The yoga space is designed to integrate light and outdoor views for a calming experience.
05
Long, low tea room tables encourage social interaction and communal sharing.

The design integrates individual and communal spaces in a way that encourages a connection to nature. Situated in a serene environment, the project focuses on wellness and relaxation, with features that promote both personal reflection and social interaction. The overall design concept centers on the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape, expressed through open layouts and uplifting structural forms.

Spatial Arrangement

The yoga space is a central element of the design, intentionally oriented to open up to the surrounding landscape. This layout creates a calming setting, allowing people to engage meaningfully with nature. Elevation plays a significant role in the design, with tapering forms that symbolize resilience and balance. Each area is designed to foster tranquility, inviting occupants to experience a sense of peace and reflection.

Materiality

Material choices enhance both the look and function of the design. An external wood coating provides aesthetic appeal while offering protection from the elements. Laminated beams and wooden rafters add structural support and flexibility. Additionally, a waterproof layer and insulation contribute to the building's performance in different weather conditions. The inclusion of quietboard panels helps with acoustics, while warm wooden flooring creates an inviting interior atmosphere.

Functional Spaces

The design anticipates various uses, including a tea room, a yoga room, and necessary facilities like toilets and showers. The tea room features long, low tables that encourage socializing. Large windows allow for beautiful views, especially during sunset. The arrangement of spaces promotes smooth movement throughout, making it easy to transition from one area to the next. Outdoor areas further enhance the experience, offering an open-air yoga area, sunbathing spots, and a vegetable garden.

Design Details

A notable feature is the glass wall, which can be almost fully opened. This design allows for a close connection with the outdoors, making it easy to engage with the environment during yoga sessions or while relaxing in the tea room. Amenities like a fire pit and a stargazing point encourage occupants to spend time outside, creating opportunities for exploration and reflection. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a holistic approach to well-being.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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