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Birch Plywood Sheltered Spaces Promoting Tranquility and Connection

Authors:
Pedram Karimi, Shahrzad Nasiri
Birch Plywood Sheltered Spaces Promoting Tranquility and Connection
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Constructed with treated birch plywood and designed to create individual meditation spaces, this environment fosters tranquility and connectedness among users while providing a functional retreat for reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Personal meditation areas align with framed views of nature.
02
Each space incorporates practical shelving and storage solutions.
03
Constructed with treated birch plywood for environmental sustainability.
04
Design emphasizes community interaction without compromising privacy.
05
Quiet wall systems enhance acoustic separation between spaces.

Zazen is designed to create a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection, integrating harmoniously with its natural surroundings. It encourages personal contemplation while fostering a sense of connection among users. The design focuses on individual meditation spaces that allow for personal practice without isolating participants, which helps build community among users.

Personal Spaces

The layout of Zazen draws inspiration from the traditional Lotus sitting position, influencing the arrangement of customized meditation areas. Each space is carefully oriented to frame views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the occupants' connection with nature. This thoughtful design promotes interaction while allowing individuals to concentrate on their meditation. A dedicated area for the instructor ensures guidance remains accessible to all.

Functional Elements

Practicality is a key aspect of the design, with each meditation area equipped with shelving units and storage to meet various needs during sessions. These functional features enable efficient use of space, making each area adaptable for different activities beyond meditation. Additionally, enclosed storage within the walls maximizes utility and keeps the environment organized.

Material Choices

Material selection is crucial in supporting the overall concept. The exterior cladding consists of 90mm x 32mm materials, offering a natural look that aligns with the surroundings. Structural strength is provided by 30mm x 10mm battens, while a Delta Fassade S-UV-Stable Barrier, measuring 2.5mm, ensures the durability of the building's envelope. Rigid insulation of 20mm enhances thermal performance, complemented by a 1.5mm air vapour barrier for effective moisture control. Treated birch plywood sheathing at 18mm adds stability and reflects an environmentally responsible choice.

Zazen presents an environment where each meditation space offers a unique experience, allowing for personal reflection and a sense of community. The incorporation of natural views and practical design elements combines to create a space that encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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