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Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space

Authors:
Naro Goller, Burak Camgöz, Alexander Lehmann
Thermal Mud Walls and Woven Flax in a Circular Meditation Space
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Constructed with thermal mud walls and woven flax, the cabin's circular design fosters a unique connection with nature, providing an adaptable space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mud walls provide thermal mass for temperature regulation.
02
Woven flax walls enhance natural light and outdoor views.
03
Circular layout promotes inclusivity and eliminates hierarchy.
04
Located in a clearing surrounded by native trees for tranquility.
05
Designed for adaptable meditation practices in various weather conditions.

The meditation cabin, located in the Earth Energies Sanctuary in New Zealand, offers a peaceful environment for personal reflection and mindfulness. Surrounded by a clearing and native trees, the design emphasizes a strong connection to nature. The cabin serves as a dedicated space for meditation practitioners, focusing on simplicity and harmony. The overall concept features a circular layout that promotes inclusivity and removes typical hierarchies found in conventional buildings.

Circular Layout

The circular design of the cabin allows it to blend with the landscape, inviting users to engage with their surroundings. This shape fosters feelings of openness while also supporting both individual experiences and group activities. By eliminating corners, the layout contributes to a sense of fluidity, important for creating a calming atmosphere that encourages concentration.

Thermal Wall Feature

A key aspect of the cabin is the mud wall on the southern side. This wall serves multiple purposes, including housing an altar, a fireplace, and shelves for meditation essentials. It plays a crucial role in thermal regulation by absorbing heat during daytime hours and releasing it at night. This function ensures that the indoor climate remains comfortable for users, enhancing the meditation experience.

Flexible Walls

The walls, designed to move like doors, are covered with woven flax, allowing light to enter and providing views of the outdoors. This feature enables users to adjust the space according to their needs, creating a versatile environment for meditation. The ability to open or close the space depending on weather conditions or personal preference adds to the cabin's functionality.

Material and Sustainability

Prominent materials like rammed earth characterize the building, aligning with a focus on sustainability. This choice helps with thermal efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The use of woven flax not only adds texture but also connects the cabin to local craftsmanship and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of place.

The thoughtful arrangement of spaces within the cabin allows natural light to flood in, creating inviting areas for meditation. The design encourages a balance between indoor comfort and outdoor connection, making it a suitable retreat for anyone seeking tranquility.

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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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