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Tatami Accents and Central Garden in Modular Meditation Pods

Authors:
Marie Christine Dimitri, Ersa Llakmani
Tatami Accents and Central Garden in Modular Meditation Pods
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With a design centered around energy crystal-shaped modular pods and a tranquil centralized garden, the project offers unique spaces for meditation and reflection within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modules arranged in a beehive configuration promote both individual privacy and community interaction.
02
A centralized garden serves as a calming focal point, enhancing user experience.
03
Energy crystal-inspired shapes create an inviting and unique architectural form.
04
Tatami floors provide a traditional touch that fosters a sense of tranquility.
05
Sustainable construction methods include recyclable and dismantlable materials for environmental sensitivity.

"The Garden Within" presents a series of modular pods designed to create tranquil spaces for meditation within an urban setting. These prefabricated structures stand alone, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The design concept focuses on establishing harmony between people and nature, emphasizing a layout that encourages reflection and well-being.

Spatial Configuration

The pods are arranged in a beehive-like pattern, which allows for both individual privacy and opportunities for communal interaction. This arrangement helps users find their own space while also promoting connections with others. By clustering the pods together, the design fosters a sense of community while accommodating diverse needs.

Centralized Garden

A prominent feature of the design is a centralized garden that serves as a calming focal point. This garden symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and invites users to engage in meditation and relaxation. Its natural elements enhance the visual appeal, creating a refreshing contrast to the urban surroundings and encouraging an experience of tranquility.

Architectural Form

The shape of the pods is inspired by energy crystals, characterized by gentle, flowing lines. The design aims to create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with users. The use of natural colors and patterns throughout contributes to a peaceful environment, making the spaces feel comforting and nurturing.

Material Considerations

Materials such as tatami floors, wooden accents, and warm tones are integrated into the interior design, drawing from traditional Japanese influences. These choices help create a soothing ambiance that supports well-being. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and enhances the overall experience within the pods.

Through attention to detail, the design offers features such as pitched roofs that promote privacy. The sustainable construction methods ensure a lasting connection with the environment, inviting users to appreciate both their surroundings and their own inner peace.

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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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