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Wooden Pavilion with Spiraling Steps for Community Meditation

Authors:
Jinwei Zhang, Yingwen Zhu, Yuxin Hu
Wooden Pavilion with Spiraling Steps for Community Meditation
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A wooden pavilion with spiraling steps provides a serene environment for community meditation, balancing public interaction with personal reflection in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular "Filtration" cabinet allows for flexible integration throughout the urban landscape.
02
The design features spiraling steps that create a physical and psychological transition from city to serenity.
03
The pavilion's open structure encourages storytelling and communal engagement among visitors.
04
Natural light is optimized through adjustable skylights, enhancing the meditation experience.
05
Wooden materials provide warmth and texture, aligning with the calming intent of the space.

The project is located in the busy urban area of Tokyo and aims to create a space for both meditation and community interaction. It is designed to provide a retreat from the fast-paced city life. The building features two main levels, each serving a distinct purpose. The upper floor functions as a quiet meditation area, while the ground level acts as an open pavilion where people can come together and share experiences.

Architecture Concept

The upper floor is dedicated to meditation, intentionally set above the noise and distractions of the city. By elevating this space, a calm atmosphere is established, allowing visitors to focus on themselves. Spiral steps connect the two levels, guiding people from the chaotic energy of the streets to the peaceful environment above. This transition underscores the contrast between the bustling city and the serene interior.

Public Interaction

The ground level encourages public access, serving as a pavilion for everyone. In this open space, the design fosters community interactions and storytelling among visitors, creating an environment where people can connect. The design's minimized footprint allows for greater public engagement, making it a welcoming spot amid the urban landscape.

Filtration Concept

A key feature of the design is the "Filtration" cabinet, which helps users relax and find a sense of inner peace. This modular element allows for easy placement in different areas of the city. The concept focuses on filtering the urban environment, offering visitors varying degrees of openness. This promotes a brief escape from daily stress, making way for moments of calm.

Materiality and Design Details

Materials used in the project include wooden tapping, prismatic skylights, folding wooden windows, and wooden facade panels. Each material is chosen for its role in enhancing the overall space. The wooden components add warmth, fitting well with the meditation area’s intent. The skylights allow natural light to fill the interior while providing sound insulation. Windows can be adjusted to control light and noise, allowing users to customize their experiences according to their needs.

A prismatic skylight at the center diffuses light softly, creating a gentle glow that complements the wooden surfaces. This design element enhances the space’s tranquil atmosphere, contributing to the overall sense of well-being.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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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