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Vertical Pillars and Reflective Surfaces in a Forest-Focused Meditation Cabin

Authors:
Farisya Yunandira, Putroaji Maulana, Jason Axel
Vertical Pillars and Reflective Surfaces in a Forest-Focused Meditation Cabin
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Constructed with vertical pillars and two-way mirror walls, the cabin integrates into its forest setting while providing a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabin features a grid of vertical pillars that mirror the surrounding trees.
02
Walls utilize a two-way mirror to create seamless indoor-outdoor visibility.
03
Meditation area is designed as the largest space, prioritizing tranquility.
04
Pathways are formed by selectively removing pillars, promoting openness.
05
The overall layout encourages natural exploration and connection with nature.

The design features a cabin located within a thick forest, specifically created to serve as a central point amid the greenery. Its design concept emphasizes visibility and ease of access, allowing visitors to engage with the natural surroundings while providing a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.

Vertical Elements

The cabin showcases a series of repeated vertical pillars that mirror the natural lines of the trees around it. This arrangement creates a rhythmic facade, establishing a clear visual contrast with the chaotic layout of the forest. The pillars provide a sense of order while blending with the environment, enhancing the cabin's presence.

Pathways and Movement

Strategic pathways connect various areas of the cabin, formed by the removal of select pillars. This design promotes openness and facilitates easy movement. Visitors can explore the space without feeling confined, while also experiencing the connection to nature that the cabin aims to foster. These pathways encourage exploration and self-reflection, aligning with the cabin’s main purpose.

Interior Spaces

Inside, the cabin is divided into three main areas: a meditation room, a storage space, and sleeping quarters. The meditation area takes precedence, being the largest and emphasizing the cabin's function as a retreat for focused activities. This thoughtful division ensures that each space serves its purpose, creating a calm and welcoming environment for users.

Materiality and Reflection

A key design element is the use of a two-way mirror for the cabin walls, chosen to create a reflective surface. This choice enables the building to mirror the surrounding landscape. Occupants enjoy unobstructed views of nature from inside, fostering a connection between the interior and the exterior. The reflective surfaces create a visual link that enhances the overall experience of being in the forest.

The design elements and layout work together to create a peaceful space that promotes meditation, while remaining connected to the forest environment.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
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