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Wooden Sanctuary with Buffer Zones for Seasonal Meditation

Authors:
Jessica Lee, Stanly Alviando, Nicotheus Giovanni
Wooden Sanctuary with Buffer Zones for Seasonal Meditation
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Constructed from wood, the cabin integrates buffer zones that facilitate movement through interconnected spaces, enhancing the experience of meditation within its natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with wood joints for efficient assembly and adaptability.
02
Incorporates buffer zones that promote movement and interaction between rooms.
03
Each room is designed to provide distinct sensory experiences.
04
The layout encourages a natural flow, mimicking seasonal migration.
05
Emphasizes the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces for meditation.

The design presents a new approach to creating a cabin focused on enhancing meditation practices. Located in a natural setting, the cabin goes beyond the traditional concept of a single shelter by including three distinct rooms. Each room serves a different purpose for meditation, allowing users to engage in various experiences influenced by their surroundings. This design highlights the importance of variability, encouraging a deeper connection to the environment.

Spatial Configuration

The layout features interconnected spaces that invite movement and interaction. Users travel between the rooms through outdoor pathways, fostering a strong relationship with nature. This movement encourages an awareness of changing elements such as sunlight and wind, enhancing the meditation experience. Each room is designed to offer specific qualities, creating unique atmospheres that cater to different meditative practices.

Buffer Zones

A notable aspect of the design is the inclusion of buffer zones, which act as transitional spaces between the individual rooms. These areas offer semi-private opportunities for interaction and movement. By integrating these buffer zones, the design creates an inviting environment for meditation. It blends indoor and outdoor experiences, making the cabin feel more open to its surroundings.

Material Utilization

Wood is the primary material used throughout the cabin. A straightforward wood joint construction technique is employed, which supports efficient building methods. The choice of wood helps the cabin remain connected to its natural environment, reinforcing the overall theme of simplicity and functionality. This approach allows for easier construction and potential relocation if desired.

Natural Interaction

The overall design focuses on the cabin's role as a site for reflection and meditation. It is responsive to environmental conditions, allowing users to experience the nuances of nature throughout the seasons. By emphasizing the relationship between space and sensory experiences, the cabin creates a tranquil environment ideal for meditation. The natural elements are carefully woven into the structure, making them essential to the experience of the cabin.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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?

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