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Timber Thresholds and Potbelly Warmth in a Tranquil Meditation Cabin

Author:
Eliza Holcombe-james
Timber Thresholds and Potbelly Warmth in a Tranquil Meditation Cabin
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With its timber-clad altar and south-facing glazing allowing soft light to enhance meditation, the cabin offers a serene space for reflection amid a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber-clad altar serves as a focal point for meditation.
02
South-facing glazing maximizes natural light for a calming atmosphere.
03
Crushed rock pathway enhances sensory awareness upon arrival.
04
Locally sourced stepping stones integrate the building with the landscape.
05
Potbelly stove provides warmth in a minimalistic interior.

The Earth Energies Sanctuary is a meditation cabin located in New Zealand, designed to enhance mindfulness and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. The structure sits within a calm landscape and uses a carefully planned spatial sequence to lead users from the comfort of a home to a dedicated space for meditation and reflection. The design emphasizes sensory experiences and awareness of one's body in relation to the surrounding environment.

Arrival to the cabin begins along a narrow pathway from the main residence. As visitors walk, the surface shifts to crushed rock, encouraging a heightened awareness of each step. The path features uneven locally sourced stepping stones, inviting users to engage physically with their surroundings, thus enhancing their overall experience.

Inside, the design features a timber-clad threshold space that includes an altar, creating a spot for quiet reflection before entering the main meditation area. This layout intentionally restricts movement as a way to promote mental preparation. The atmosphere is made warmer and more inviting by the presence of a potbelly stove, which enhances comfort.

Natural light plays a vital role in the interior, with south-facing windows letting in soft, diffuse sunlight that brightens the meditation space. By carefully positioning the windows, the design encourages a connection between the interior and the natural landscape outside. This brings a sense of calm support for meditation practices.

Key elements, such as the processing altar and stepping stones, are positioned to guide users toward meditation. The architecture maintains a balance between simplicity and usefulness. Each design choice helps support movement while creating an environment that encourages introspection. The warm wooden interior and the gentle light establish a peaceful setting for reflection and engagement with nature.

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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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