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Carbonized Wood and Natural Rock Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Adolfo Cendejas Guerrero, Alvaro Garcia Cortes
Carbonized Wood and Natural Rock Create a Tranquil Meditation Retreat
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Carbonized wood and a natural rock base define a meditation cabin designed to foster tranquility and cultural reflection within a serene landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation areas are integrated with altars for processing natural essences.
02
The structure utilizes carbonized wood through the shou sugi ban technique for durability.
03
Natural rock forms the foundation, grounding the cabin in its environment.
04
Sunlight is strategically captured with openings designed for seasonal light changes.
05
The layout promotes fluid circulation between the interior and surrounding landscape.

The TROJE project embodies a thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional Mexican cabins known as trojes. Located in a natural setting, the structure functions as a meditation cabin, facilitating moments of introspection and a connection to cultural roots. The design centers on capturing the simple, yet solid forms of these traditional buildings while creating a tranquil space for reflection.

Architecture Concept

The design features key areas dedicated to meditation and the processing of natural essences. These spaces are arranged to promote movement and interaction, allowing users to flow easily between the inside of the cabin and its surrounding landscape. The entrances are intentionally placed to enhance the experience of entering the space, creating a thoughtful link between the interior and the exterior.

Materiality

A careful selection of materials reflects traditional building methods. The roof is covered with wooden shingles, honoring the craftsmanship of the past. Carbonized wood, treated using the shou sugi ban method, adds both strength and a unique look to the structure. Additionally, a natural rock base grounds the cabin within its environment, reinforcing its connection to the site.

Natural Light and Seasonal Changes

Light plays an important role in the design. The placement of windows and openings takes into account the sun’s movement throughout the year. This design choice ensures that both summer and winter sun can enter the cabin, creating warm spaces for contemplation. As daylight shifts, so does the ambiance inside, providing a dynamic environment for users.

Aesthetic and Functional Integration

TROJE balances traditional forms with contemporary needs, establishing a dialogue between the past and the present. The details of the altars and meditation areas not only serve practical purposes but also contribute to the overall experience. The design encourages interaction with nature, with the structure acting as a focal point that enhances the tranquility of its surroundings.

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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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