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Wooden Modules Embrace Serenity in Seasonal Meditation Cabins

Authors:
Christian Gabbiani, Elisa Porro
Wooden Modules Embrace Serenity in Seasonal Meditation Cabins
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Constructed using modular wooden elements, the meditation cabins seamlessly adapt to seasonal changes, providing versatile spaces that prioritize solitude and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins feature flexible furniture that can be retracted into walls for customizable meditation spaces.
02
Large windows contour to cabin profiles, ensuring privacy while maximizing natural light.
03
The design includes three distinct seasonal meditation spaces tailored for winter, summer, and mid-season use.
04
Wooden modules can be easily transported along narrow paths for simple construction on-site.
05
Each cabin emphasizes user participation in building through the assembly of wooden boxes.

The design focuses on creating spaces for meditation that connect deeply with nature, enhancing the experience of reflection and spirituality. Each cabin is situated in a tranquil setting, aimed at providing a personal retreat that responds to the seasons. The concept emphasizes simplicity, functional space, and a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

Cabin Configuration

Every cabin is built around pure internal volumes that define the meditation space. These volumes are discreet from the outside, featuring large windows that allow natural light while ensuring privacy. This thoughtful approach creates a soothing atmosphere that supports meditation and introspection.

Flexible Space Utilization

To make the most of the limited floor space, each cabin incorporates flexible design features. Furniture can be tucked away into walls, enabling users to adapt the space according to their individual needs. The fireplace acts as a central element, contributing to the calm environment and marking the focal point for meditation activities.

Seasonal Adaptation

The design includes three specific spaces for meditation, each suited to the changing seasons. In winter, the interior offers warmth and views of the snowy landscape. The cabin roof creates an opportunity for outdoor meditation in the summer, connecting users to the fresh air and panoramic views. Additionally, the sheltered area beneath the cabins serves as a cozy environment for mid-season meditation.

Materiality and Construction

A low-technology approach defines the construction of the cabins. The outdoor envelope consists of wooden modules that can be easily carried along narrow paths in the forest. Inside, wooden boxes allow for assembly by the users, inviting them to take part in the building process. Services such as heating, lighting, and water are managed through user interaction, requiring firewood collection for heating and storage tanks for water while solar energy provides light.

The design emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and nature, where light and natural elements create a peaceful setting for meaningful meditation. It encourages users to engage fully in their practices, supporting a holistic experience of 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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