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Cedar Shingles and Skylights Create Grounded Retreat in Nature

Authors:
Ewa Serafińska, Patrycja Seruga, Sylwia Paleczna
Cedar Shingles and Skylights Create Grounded Retreat in Nature
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Crafted from cedar shingles and defined by a central skylight, the meditation cabin channels energy inward while providing a tranquil space for mindfulness and reflection in the heart of New Zealand's bush.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced cedar shingles for sustainability.
02
Features a central skylight that connects users to the night sky.
03
Incorporates a movable altar for processing herbs on-site.
04
Designed with a circular layout to enhance communal meditation.
05
Utilizes a carefully planned viewing axis aligned with surrounding trees.

The Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin is a carefully designed space located in a clearing within the local New Zealand bush. It functions as a retreat for meditation and reflection, focusing on a strong connection between its users and the surrounding landscape. The design is centered around a circular shape that pulls energy from the environment and directs it inward, fostering a peaceful atmosphere for mindfulness practices.

Circular Form and Energy Flow

The circular design of the cabin plays a key role in its overall impact. It gathers energy from nature and channels it toward the interior, promoting a feeling of unity and togetherness among those who use the space. The layout includes a carefully planned viewing axis that aligns with the trees outside, enhancing visual connections to the natural setting and encouraging users to engage with their surroundings.

Light and Spatial Experience

Natural light occupies an important place in the cabin's design. Openings in the structure allow sunlight to stream in, creating engaging patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. A large skylight serves as a focal point, bringing the night sky into the cabin. This feature reinforces the sense of calm and reflection, allowing occupants to feel a connection to both the earth and the cosmos during their meditation.

Materiality and Sustainability

The cabin’s construction emphasizes local materials, aligning with a commitment to sustainability. Cedar wood shingles are used for their durability and ability to blend with the environment. Timber frames and interior cladding echo the natural surroundings, enhancing the cabin’s integration into its location. A concrete foundation provides necessary stability while adapting to the unique characteristics of the land.

Functional Elements and Interior Arrangement

Flexibility is essential in the cabin's interior, catering to a variety of activities related to meditation and mindfulness. A movable altar for processing herbs is a practical element, inviting users to interact meaningfully with their environment. The interior design encourages informal gathering arrangements, enabling participants to create circles during meditation sessions. This setup supports social interaction while still honoring individual moments of reflection.

The entrance features a sliding wooden door that complements the overall look of the cabin. It offers easy access and reflects traditional design influences, connecting the structure to its natural 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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