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Timber Stud Structure with Metal Mesh for Guided Reflection

Authors:
Eshani Patel, Nesma Hamouda, Michelle Lorenz
Timber Stud Structure with Metal Mesh for Guided Reflection
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A hexagonal meditation cabin with strategically placed timber studs and a metal mesh enclosure provides a tranquil space for reflection, seamlessly integrating into its forested surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal design promotes both individual and group meditation experiences.
02
Timber studs gradually expand to create a welcoming entry transition.
03
Metal mesh enclosure allows for natural ventilation and a connection to nature.
04
Interior walls and roof slope upward for expansive forest views.
05
Local materials enhance sustainability and contextual integration.

Guided Glade is a meditation cabin located in a calm clearing at Earth Energies Sanctuary. Designed to help visitors shift from the busy outside world to a serene space for reflection, it emphasizes the journey one experiences when approaching the cabin. The facade conceeds the interior, enhancing anticipation and intrigue as guests draw near.

Spatial Configuration

The cabin has a hexagonal shape, which allows for personal meditation areas and also accommodates group activities. This layout is both functional and efficient, helping to create distinct views of the natural landscape. The design encourages a sense of connection to the environment, aligning with the goal of promoting contemplation and peace.

Transitional Passage

Entering the cabin, visitors move through a transitional passage lined with timber studs. These vertical elements are arranged closely together and spread outward as they approach the entrance. This design choice highlights a direct relationship between the users and their surroundings, immersing them in the natural world before they step inside.

Interior Experience

Once inside, walls continue to open up, while the roof slopes upward toward two significant walls. This configuration allows for wide views of the forest, enhancing the feeling of space and light. The design invites visitors to relax and meditate, surrounded by the calming beauty of nature, making the experience both refreshing and introspective.

Material Selection

Local timber serves as the main building material, ensuring that the structure fits well within its environment. Additionally, a metal mesh enclosure is included to allow for natural ventilation, promoting comfort. These choices reflect a practical approach to sustainability and a commitment to blending with the landscape available near the sanctuary.

As one gazes upward, the sloping roof draws attention to the sky above, enhancing the cabin’s relationship with the forest. This thoughtful detail fosters a sense of tranquility, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect on their surroundings.

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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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