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Translucent Veils and Reclaimed Timber Form a Mindful Retreat

Author:
Patrick Girdler
Translucent Veils and Reclaimed Timber Form a Mindful Retreat
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Translucent veils ripple gently overhead in a cabin constructed from reclaimed timber, creating an environment that fosters mindfulness and meditation amidst the serenity of a forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent veils create a dynamic light effect, allowing users to experience changing natural illumination throughout the day.
02
Bi-fold doors open fully to enhance connectivity with the surrounding forest environment.
03
The cabin’s low height encourages a respectful entrance, fostering a sense of humility.
04
Constructed entirely from local and reclaimed materials, emphasizing sustainability and ecological sourcing.
05
Passive climate control is achieved through strategically placed louvered windows for natural ventilation.

The Breath Cabin serves as a retreat for meditation and mindfulness, set within a tranquil forest environment. The design focuses on simplicity and calmness, creating a space that encourages self-reflection and a connection with nature. With its modest height and elegant form, the cabin promotes a sense of peace, inviting users to slow down and enjoy their surroundings.

Interior Layout

Inside, the cabin is organized into a foyer and a meditation space, separated by translucent veils that hang from the ceiling. These veils act as a visual focal point while also dividing the areas. Upon entering the meditation space, guests bow slightly, adding a respectful gesture to their experience. This layout allows users to engage deeply with the views of the natural surroundings, fostering a tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Light and Environment

Light plays an important role in the cabin's design. Sunlight filters gently through the recycled timber cladding and veils, creating an interplay of shadows and brightness that enhances the interior experience. The north and south facades include louvered clerestory windows that enhance airflow and help regulate temperature, maintaining comfort throughout the year without mechanical assistance.

Materiality

The cabin's exterior features a selection of recycled timber that adds texture and visual interest to the facade. This cladding includes Common Kauri Pine and New Zealand Kauri, which are sourced locally and contribute to sustainable building practices. The veils are made from undyed natural linens that soften the light entering the space, promoting a quiet and soothing ambiance within the cabin.

Final Detail

Under-floor heating, powered by solar energy, ensures that the interior remains comfortable during colder months. This element highlights the cabin's focus on sustainability, carefully balancing functionality with an appreciation for nature. The design encourages users to engage in a peaceful retreat, providing an environment that fosters mindfulness and reflection.

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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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