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Bamboo Skin Retreat Embracing Rainwater Collection and Natural Light

Authors:
Leon Zorraquin, Santiago Gilardi
Bamboo Skin Retreat Embracing Rainwater Collection and Natural Light
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A bamboo skin envelops a retreat designed for meditation, harnessing natural light and rainwater collection to create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo skin filters sunlight and embodies the concept of komorebi.
02
Sliding glass doors provide unobstructed views while maintaining shelter.
03
Rainwater is collected through a bespoke gutter system into a stone bowl.
04
Storage solutions are integrated within the steps of the interior.
05
Prefabricated wooden components facilitate efficient on-site assembly.

KOMOREBI is situated in Vale de Moses, Portugal, and functions as a retreat designed for meditation and mindfulness practices. The overall design concept revolves around the relationship between indoor and outdoor areas. By utilizing layered architectural elements, the structure blends with the natural surroundings and enhances the user experience.

Structure and Materials

The main feature of the cabin is its bamboo skin, which serves as the outer facade. This material effectively filters sunlight and reflects the Japanese idea of komorebi, where light filters through leaves. This choice strengthens the connection to nature and creates a welcoming environment shaped by natural light.

Spatial Configuration

The interior is simply organized, featuring areas for meditation and treatment alongside necessary storage. Sliding glass doors allow for easy interaction with the landscape while offering protection from the weather. Curtains provide privacy and limit outside distractions, creating a focused atmosphere that encourages contemplation.

Water Integration

The design includes a washing facility placed outside the main cabin, linked to a water tank that provides continuous access to water. This arrangement helps maintain the visual appeal of the interior and reinforces the connection to the environment. A gutter collects rainwater, directing it into a stone bowl, which adds a practical element while introducing the calming sound of flowing water.

Sustainable Design Strategy

Using precut wood components, the construction minimizes on-site assembly, making it efficient. This method also allows for future relocation, providing flexibility if the need arises. The use of glass sliding windows and bamboo canes promotes natural ventilation, ensuring comfort indoors. These design aspects highlight sustainability as a key focus.

The thoughtful interplay of light and shadow, combined with the careful integration of nature, creates a peaceful space for reflection and connection, making the cabin a meaningful retreat.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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