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Underwater Meditation Spaces Crafted with Natural Stone and Fluid Concrete Forms

Underwater Meditation Spaces Crafted with Natural Stone and Fluid Concrete Forms
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Distinctively designed underwater meditation spaces integrate natural stone and flowing concrete to create a tranquil environment dedicated to reflection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Underwater meditation space fosters a unique sensory experience through the integration of water and light.
02
Curvilinear pathways mimic natural water flow, enhancing visitor engagement with the landscape.
03
Natural stone elements provide tactile warmth and a connection to the surrounding environment.
04
The light chapel's design maximizes natural light, creating an evolving atmosphere throughout the day.
05
Community gathering areas encourage social interaction while maintaining a serene setting for reflection.

### Project Overview

Located in the Dong ethnic region of China, the project draws inspiration from the Wind and Rain Bridge, a culturally significant structure known for its communal role. The design aims to cultivate an environment that promotes tranquility and connection among users while seamlessly integrating into the surrounding landscape. This integration highlights the spiritual and community-oriented aspects of architecture in this context.

### Spatial Organization

The layout emphasizes meditation and reflection through a carefully considered arrangement of spaces. Key features include:

- **Underwater Meditation Space**: This area is designed to immerse visitors in a calming aquatic environment, utilizing water to create a serene atmosphere that fosters introspection and relaxation. The strategic placement within the landscape allows for both literal and metaphorical depth.

- **Light Chapel**: Designed as a gathering space for communal activities, the Light Chapel maximizes natural light to create an uplifting environment conducive to meditation and social interaction. Its design incorporates elements that facilitate engagement among users.

- **Flowing Pathways**: The architectural plan includes whimsical pathways that mimic the contours of the surrounding topography, encouraging exploration and contemplation while promoting a fluid transition between built forms and nature.

### Materiality

The selection of materials reflects a balance between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Notable materials include:

- **Reinforced Concrete**: Utilized for its strength and versatility, enabling the formation of intricate shapes that respond to the project’s spatial requirements.

- **Glass**: Employed in the Light Chapel to enhance transparency, allowing natural light to penetrate the space and provide views of the natural surroundings.

- **Water Features**: Incorporated into the meditation area, water symbolizes serenity and acts as a literal and figurative mirror to the surrounding environment.

- **Natural Stone**: Chosen for its aesthetic appeal and warmth, this material reinforces the connection to the natural landscape while complementing the concrete elements.

### Geographical Context

Strategically situated within a hilly landscape representative of the Dong region, the design responds to the topography in a manner that enhances both aesthetic value and ecological sustainability. This consideration minimizes disruption to the existing ecosystem while contributing to the architectural narrative of community and connection.

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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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