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A Forest Cabin for Reflection and Mindful Living

Authors:
Cameron Kollath, Jacob Cournoyer
A Forest Cabin for Reflection and Mindful Living
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Located in a forested area of Latvia, the study examines a contemporary approach to cabin living that emphasizes mindfulness and engagement with the natural environment. It explores how small-scale residential design can foster a meaningful connection between occupants and their surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exterior features painted plywood sheathing for durability.
02
Interior finishes utilize high-quality plywood and maple hardwood.
03
Structural stability is achieved through concrete piles.
04
Open-concept design promotes flexible use of spaces.
05
Circular windows frame forest views and enhance light.

Meža Māja is a conceptual study located in a forested area of Latvia, exploring a contemporary approach to cabin living that emphasizes mindfulness and connection with nature. The proposal envisions a retreat for reflection and tranquility, integrating functional simplicity with environmental responsiveness. The design prioritizes both comfort and engagement with the surrounding landscape, offering flexible living spaces while minimizing ecological impact.

Materiality and Structural Strategy
The exterior is composed of painted plywood sheathing, selected for durability and visual integration with the forest environment. Interior finishes include high-quality plywood for continuity and maple hardwood flooring to introduce warmth to living areas. Structural stability is provided by concrete piles, supporting a lightweight and adaptable building form. Circular windows punctuate the façades, framing forest views and admitting natural light, reinforcing the visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.

Spatial Layout and Environmental Integration
Open-concept interior spaces promote flexibility and interaction, with movable partitions allowing adaptation to varying user needs. Sustainable design strategies focus on low-energy living, utilizing natural ventilation and daylighting to reduce energy consumption. The modular organization and material choices support adaptability, ecological sensitivity, and long-term usability, aligning with contemporary approaches to forest dwellings that balance vernacular influences with modern architectural practice.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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