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Timber Cabin with Elevated Meditation Space in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Kit Yeung Garrick Chan, Nina Gabrielle Rivera Sanchez, Chang Lei
Timber Cabin with Elevated Meditation Space in a Forest Retreat
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The cabin's raised timber platform and eye-level views create a unique meditation experience, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest to serve as a tranquil retreat for reflection and nourishment of the spirit.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates a raised timber platform for enhanced connection to the forest.
02
Eye-level view cutouts promote focused meditation while limiting distractions.
03
A ladder provides access to the upper meditation space, emphasizing verticality.
04
Timber cladding fosters a seamless blend with the natural environment.
05
The design encourages a gradual transition from indoor comfort to outdoor exploration.

The cabin serves as a peaceful retreat located within a lush forest environment. It is designed to provide an escape from the demands of everyday life while encouraging a connection with nature. The central concept focuses on creating a refuge that promotes mindfulness and self-reflection, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in a serene landscape.

Concept and Design Intent

The theme of refuge is central to the cabin's design, where spaces are specifically crafted for meditation and quiet contemplation. This creates an environment that fosters personal interaction with nature and self. The layout of the cabin is oriented inward, which encourages occupants to engage in reflective practices that highlight the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding forest.



Spatial Arrangement

Visitors approach the cabin via a raised timber platform, which elevates the space above the forest floor. This design choice provides a sense of safety and defines the boundary between the natural world and the cabin. Inside, the ground floor features adaptable living and sleeping areas, which can be used for various activities such as reading, relaxing, or simply enjoying solitude. The arrangement is intentional, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere that nurtures personal growth and connection to the environment.



Meditation Space

A ladder leads to the upper meditation area, representing a transition into a more reflective space. The design allows for views at eye level, which helps create a focused atmosphere suitable for meditation. This encourages occupants to engage with the forest through these limited but intentional perspectives. The emphasis on filtered views promotes awareness of the natural surroundings, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the environment.



Perspective and Interaction

Climbing to the roof offers a new perspective, enhancing the overall experience of the cabin. From this elevated position, residents can take in the expanse of the forest in a way that contrasts with the intimacy of the cabin interior. An easy path leads back down, guiding inhabitants to continue their exploration of the natural setting.



Timber cladding surrounds the cabin, providing warmth and a tangible connection to the environment. The design carefully integrates with nature, capturing the essence of tranquility and self-reflection. Each detail contributes to a harmonious experience, fostering a lasting relationship between the individual and the forest.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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