Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in Etfe with Cross-Laminated Timber

Authors:
Levent Arıdağ, Fitnat Cimşit Koş, Okan Aktaş, Tugay Yılmaz
Candlelit Retreats Wrapped in Etfe with Cross-Laminated Timber
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The use of cross-laminated timber and an ETFE skin creates a series of adaptable cabins that encourage meditation and reflection, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flaps in the cabin design allow surrounding vegetation to thrive.
02
The structure utilizes high-performance cross-laminated timber for durability.
03
ETFE skin regulates light entry while protecting against weather elements.
04
Cabins feature distinct communal and private meditation spaces.
05
Candle lanterns create an intimate ambiance during nighttime use.

The Silent Meditation Forest Cabins are situated within ancient woodlands, designed to support meditation and peaceful reflection. The concept focuses on creating cabins that function as "adaptive caves," which highlights a design that interacts with and blends into the surrounding environment. Each cabin serves as a retreat, allowing individuals to connect with nature while engaging in both communal and private meditation practices.

Design and Adaptability

The cabins feature an adaptable design, allowing them to fit various geographical settings such as lake shores and forested slopes. This flexibility ensures that the structures maintain their intended purpose while integrating well with different landscapes. With design elements that allow for natural growth, like flaps that let vegetation flourish around the cabins, the project reinforces its commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of public and private spaces within the cabins is a central aspect of the design. These structures include areas for group meditation while also providing secluded spots for private reflection. This thoughtful layout balances social engagement with personal solitude, enhancing the overall experience for users. The design invites individuals to participate in shared practices while also allowing for moments of quiet contemplation in a natural setting.

Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is essential for the cabins' functionality and integrity. Cross-laminated timber is used to ensure strength and durability while maintaining a lightweight structure. As a renewable resource, this material aligns with sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact. The cabins are also enclosed with a protective ETFE skin that helps regulate light and provides shelter from weather conditions, allowing for an environment conducive to meditation.

At night, the cabins are softly illuminated by candle lanterns, creating an intimate setting that enhances the tranquility and meditative atmosphere.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy