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Washi Paper Windows and Shoji Doors Within a Tranquil Forest Retreat

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Washi Paper Windows and Shoji Doors Within a Tranquil Forest Retreat
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Constructed with Shoji doors and Washi paper windows, the cabin blends seamlessly into its forest setting, creating a tranquil space dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin incorporates sliding Shoji panel doors to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
It features Washi paper windows that diffuse light for a calming ambiance.
03
A circular moon door serves as a skylight, connecting users with the sky above.
04
Construction method minimizes ground impact to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
05
Solar-powered LED lights illuminate the approach at night while preserving dark skies.

The Forest Grove Meditation Cabin is set in a tranquil forest environment, designed to provide a space for quiet reflection and mindfulness. The design takes inspiration from both the calmness of a forest grove and the traditional features of a Japanese tea house. The goal is to create a connection to nature that enhances the experience of meditation and contemplation.

Forest Grove Influence

The cabin is carefully integrated into its surroundings, surrounded by trees that allow sunlight to filter through. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadow within and around the structure. The trees frame the building, enriching the user experience by fostering peace and introspection. The tall trees add a vertical dimension, complementing the cabin’s low profile and creating a balance with the natural setting.

Japanese Tea House Elements

The design incorporates aspects of traditional Japanese architecture, notably the use of sliding Shoji panel doors. These doors offer flexibility, allowing visitors to merge indoor and outdoor spaces. The windows are made with rice Washi paper, softening the natural light and enhancing the serene atmosphere inside. A zen window provides a framed view of the forest, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment in a thoughtful way.

Interior Clarity and Spatial Design

Inside, the layout is open and uncluttered, facilitating mental clarity and focus. This minimal approach means that visitors can fully connect with their surroundings without distractions. A circular moon door is placed in the ceiling, functioning as a skylight. It connects the interior of the cabin to the sky above, inviting contemplation of the changing weather and light.

Approach and Light Integration

Reaching the cabin involves walking along a wooden boardwalk that elevates visitors above the forest floor. This design choice is inspired by traditional Buddhist practices, creating a gentle transition between nature and the built space. Solar-powered LED lights along the path provide safety at night, offering a warm glow reminiscent of rice paper lanterns.

The moon door in the ceiling is a key detail, allowing natural light to wash over the interior and connecting guests to the sky. This design choice enhances the experience of being in a space that feels both connected to nature and conducive to meditation.

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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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