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Terraces of Wood and Greenery for Reflective Nature Retreat

Author:
Hugo Fernando Gómez Saldaña
Terraces of Wood and Greenery for Reflective Nature Retreat
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With terraces designed to enhance immersion in the surrounding landscape, the meditation cabins utilize wood and green elements to create an environment that fosters reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins do not have side windows, focusing views on the landscape.
02
Gray water treatment system enhances sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
03
Terraces allow for flexible placement and interaction with varying topographies.
04
Interior finishes include wood and waterproof rubber for comfort and acoustics.
05
Design encourages deep immersion in the natural surroundings for reflective experience.

The Retreat in Vale de Moses is a series of meditation cabins that focus on giving individuals a chance to reconnect with nature. Located in a tranquil landscape, the design aims to create a space suitable for self-reflection and meditation. The approach emphasizes an intimate relationship with the surrounding environment, showcasing a commitment to ecological values.

Site Integration

The cabins are placed on an empty stone terrace, allowing for flexibility in how they are arranged around the site. This arrangement respects the existing landscape and encourages users to engage with their surroundings. The layout enhances feelings of solitude while promoting a deep connection to nature.

Cabin Design

There are two types of cabins known as TR1 and TR2. They differ mainly in the design of their terraces. Each type promotes a dynamic interaction with the landscape. The decision to have no side windows focuses attention on the wide views, reinforcing a sense of privacy and immersion in the natural world.

Sustainability Features

TR1 includes a south facade that features a gray water treatment system. This system manages wastewater effectively. It channels water to a storage area, then releases it through an irrigation valve box into mulch, which absorbs organic matter. This design choice reflects a thoughtful approach to minimizing environmental impact.

Interior Composition

Inside, wood is used for finishes while rubber serves as a waterproof and sound-absorbing material. These choices contribute to comfort and function within the cabins. The design emphasizes simplicity, ensuring that each space feels welcoming.

The shape and layout of the cabins, along with their terraces, create cozy areas that encourage users to engage fully with the peaceful environment, reinforcing the connection between the buildings and the landscape around them.

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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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