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Trombe Wall Cabin with Natural Wood Interior and Outdoor Reflection Space

Authors:
Francisco J. Flores, Jesús Mario Sánchez
Trombe Wall Cabin with Natural Wood Interior and Outdoor Reflection Space
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Utilizing a trombe wall for sustainable heating, the cabin integrates local wood materials and provides outdoor spaces for reflection, serving as a retreat for meditation and self-discovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a trombe wall for efficient passive solar heating.
02
Incorporates local wood for ecological and aesthetic alignment with nature.
03
Features a dedicated tea infusion area inspired by Japanese tea culture.
04
Includes a mezzanine that maximizes natural light and open space.
05
Elevated terrace protects against environmental elements while providing outdoor access.

The Mindself Silent Cabin is designed as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, located in a peaceful natural environment. It serves as a space where users can disconnect from their everyday lives and reconnect with their surroundings and themselves. The design focuses on simplicity and aims to create a calming atmosphere that encourages mindfulness and introspection.

Site Integration

The cabin features vertical facades made from local wooden boards that mimic the surrounding trees. This choice reinforces the connection between the cabin and its environment, allowing it to blend in naturally. The design is kept straightforward to ensure the focus remains on the beautiful landscape that envelops the structure.

Interior Layout

Inside, the cabin prioritizes the use of natural light, enhancing the overall experience for occupants. A wood burning stove supplies warmth and comfort, while the layout includes a mezzanine that opens up the ground floor for various activities. The incorporation of roof windows allows sunlight to enter, creating changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, which adds to the tranquil setting.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key aspect of the Mindself Silent Cabin. Locally sourced materials are used for construction, ensuring that the building fits well into its environment and supports local resources. The design includes a trombe wall system that captures solar energy for heating throughout the year. Furthermore, rainwater collection systems are in place to facilitate responsible water management.

User Experience

The design pays careful attention to user experience, particularly through the inclusion of an outdoor terrace that extends the living space. This terrace has a seating area for quiet reflection and is elevated on small columns to protect it from environmental factors such as snow and water. The space invites occupants to step outside and enjoy nature while the small campfire area offers a simple way to warm tea, fostering a connection to the elements.

The interplay between light and shadow within the cabin enhances its peaceful atmosphere. The design encourages users to engage with their thoughts and surroundings, creating a meaningful place for reflection and mindfulness.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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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