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Translucent Light Portal Within a Metal Frame Retreat

Authors:
George Kniazian, Zhenya Zhenev
Translucent Light Portal Within a Metal Frame Retreat
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A distinctive metal frame supports a translucent light portal, allowing shifting geometry and natural light to enhance a quiet retreat designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A metal mesh integrates with a reinforcement frame to provide structural stability.
02
Wooden dies create visual complexity and enhance light interaction throughout the space.
03
Translucent surfaces allow dynamic shifts in perception as views change.
04
A light portal serves as a source of natural illumination, enhancing mood and atmosphere.
05
The design includes a three-step altar, promoting a functional space for meditation.

The Meditation Kiwi Cabin is a carefully crafted structure designed to promote quiet thought and a connection with the surrounding nature. Set in a tranquil environment, it offers a space for meditation and reflection. The design draws inspiration from the intricate form of a bird's nest. It embodies a blend of chaos and order that encourages a deep engagement with the landscape.

Organic Inspiration

The design is heavily influenced by organic shapes found in nature. The bird's nest is a central theme, illustrating how natural forms can influence architectural design. The cabin adopts a primary geometric shape of a hemisphere, which simplifies the complexity of intertwined branches. This choice results in a unique structure that feels alive, nurturing a connection with the environment.

Structural Framework

At the heart of the Meditation Kiwi Cabin is a strong structural framework made from a metal frame crafted from reinforcement. This framework offers vital support to the cabin while allowing for an aesthetically pleasing design. A metal mesh is included in the construction, adding durability and visual interest. Together, these materials create a solid yet intricate structure, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate its form.

Functional Elements

The design includes practical features such as a light portal and a three-step altar, enhancing its function for meditation. These elements are thoughtfully integrated into the overall layout, enriching the experience for users. They encourage full engagement with the space, allowing those inside to immerse themselves in reflection and peace.

Visual Interaction

A notable aspect of the Meditation Kiwi Cabin is how it changes based on the viewer's perspective. The translucent quality of the design enables the geometry to shift as individuals move around. This creates a sense of vitality within the space. Light plays an important role, casting patterns and shadows that change throughout the day, influencing the atmosphere inside. The interplay between the cabin and its environment enriches the experience, deepening the connection to nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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