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A Meditation Cabin Design with Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs

Authors:
Phil Reville, Britt Ambruson
A Meditation Cabin Design with Cedar Deck Overlooking Green Roofs
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The combination of a cedar deck and green roofs creates a unique approach to sustainable meditation cabins, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding valley while facilitating mindfulness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Poured concrete sinks serve as a focal point, merging utility with wellness practices.
02
Rainwater collection systems support plumbing, enhancing sustainability.
03
Cedar slat screens provide privacy while optimizing natural light flow.
04
Green roofs offer thermal insulation and blend the cabins into the landscape.
05
A wraparound cedar deck enables unobstructed valley views for meditation.

The meditation cabins at Vale de Moses are situated at the edge of a valley, creating a peaceful area designed for reflection and mindfulness. As spaces for meditation and relaxation, they embody the idea of "Root to Rise," which emphasizes grounding oneself in nature before engaging in spiritual practices. The design aims to connect the built environment with the natural landscape, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Design Concept

The approach to design integrates the cabins into their surroundings, allowing visitors to move easily from the natural world to a calming internal space. Pathways lined with plant-covered trellises guide guests to the cabins, establishing a calming atmosphere as they prepare for meditation. Natural light plays an important role; skylights bring illumination to the interiors, while large glass doorwalls allow for an open connection with the landscape outside.

Materiality

The cabins feature specific materials that support both their function and their visual appeal. Poured concrete functions as a focal point within each cabin, particularly evident in the central sink that symbolizes cleanliness and the significance of water in wellness routines. The stone walls incorporate local materials, firmly rooting the cabins within their environment and contributing to a unified look. Extensive wood elements enhance the warmth of the spaces, contrasting nicely with the more rigid, structural components.

Sustainability Features

A focus on sustainability is present throughout the design, as illustrated by the inclusion of a rainwater collection system. This system supplies water for uses within the cabins while reinforcing their relationship with the surrounding environment. The green roofs add insulation, which helps moderate internal temperatures and supports ecological awareness. These features align with the retreat's philosophy of mindfulness and connection to nature.

The design culminates in a broad cedar deck that wraps around the cabins, offering unobstructed views of the valley. This outdoor space invites visitors to engage with the natural scenery, promoting a sense of peace and connection to the elements. The layout of both indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in their environment and find moments of reflection.

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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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Competition organisers

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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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