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Timber Beams and Diagonal Ridge Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Author:
Louise Uchoa Lopes Pereira
Timber Beams and Diagonal Ridge Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation
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With a diagonal roof ridge and a central meditation area, the cabin integrates timber beams and expansive glass façades to create a serene retreat that emphasizes mindfulness in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation area is centrally located to enhance focus and tranquility.
02
Diagonal roof ridge creates dynamic internal spaces and visual interest.
03
Large glass façades facilitate natural light and views of nature.
04
Timber beams provide structural support and warmth to the interior.
05
Bathroom facilities feature a separate entrance, maintaining privacy and accessibility.

The Silent Meditation Cabin, designed by Ozolini Teamakers, is located in a peaceful area that promotes self-reflection and mindfulness. In a world filled with constant stimulation, the cabin offers a space for meditation, helping individuals find clarity and acceptance within themselves. The design aims to integrate the structure with the natural surroundings, creating a retreat that encourages a connection between one’s inner thoughts and the environment outside.

Design Layout

The layout of the cabin centers on a meditation area, serving as the main feature of the building. This space allows for various levels of interaction with nature through façades that include both closed and open sections. Some parts are completely blind, while others open up to an expansive outdoor deck. This arrangement helps blend indoor and outdoor experiences, enhancing the atmosphere for users who seek tranquility.

Spatial Organization

On either side of the meditation area, functional spaces are arranged to support the overall use of the cabin. Rooms for sleeping, eating, and heating connect seamlessly without relying on excessive walls that would disrupt the feeling of space. The bathroom area is thoughtfully positioned away from the central block, offering a separate entrance for easy access. This design choice not only ensures privacy but also keeps the main areas uncluttered.

Roof Structure

The roof of the cabin features steep pitches, commonly found in northern designs, reaching a unique diagonal ridge. This roof style adds character to the building and increases the livable space on the mezzanine level. It introduces interesting shapes and forms, bringing light into the cabin while allowing for physical openness.

Material Expressions

Material choice plays a significant role in the design of the Silent Meditation Cabin. Timber beams provide strong support, while wood paneling creates a warm and inviting interior. Large windows and glass doors let in plenty of light and offer views of the surrounding landscape. This connection to nature is vital for the retreat experience, allowing individuals to feel both protected and part of their environment.

The combination of these design elements contributes to a space that emphasizes meditation and reflection, creating an experience rooted in both simplicity and functionality.

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MICROHOME 2026
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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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